Genus Desmodium From Trout

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”
Trout’s Notes #D-2
Second 2002 printing with minor revisions
Adapted for webviewing March 2004
Trout’s Notes
on
the Genus Desmodium
(Chemistry, Ethnomedicine, Pharmacology, Synonyms and Miscellany)
Compiled and edited by K. Trout

©1997 Trout and Friends
A Better Days Publication
1
“More than you need to know?”
Trout’s Notes #D2 (3-2002)
The Genus Desmodium

(Chemistry, Ethnomedicine, Pharmacology, Synonyms and Miscellany)
Copyright ©1997 by Trout & Friends & 2002 by Trout’s Notes/ Mydriatic Productions
Adapted for webviewing March 2004
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Cover: Desmodium gangeticum leaves
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2
Table of Contents:
The Genus Desmodium

15
5-6
Desmodium paniculatum (L.) DC.
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC
15
7
Desmodium parvifolium DC.
Desmodium canum (J.F.Gmel.) Schinz &
16
Thell.
Desmodium pulchellum Benth. ex Baker
8
16
Desmodium caudatum (Thunb.)DC
Desmodium racemosum (Thunb.) DC
8
18
Desmodium cephalotes (Roxb.) Wall.
Desmodium ramosissimum G.Don
8
18
Desmodium dichotomum (Retz.) Merr.
Desmodium repandum (Vahl.) DC
8
18
Desmodium discolor Vogt.
Desmodium retroflexum DC
9
18
Desmodium distortum Macb.
Desmodium salicifolium (Poir.) DC
9
18
Desmodium dunni
Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. [=
9
18
Desmodium floribundum
Desmodium tiliaefolium (G. Don)
9
19
Desmodium gangeticum DC.
Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC
9
20
Desmodium guianense DC
Desmodium triflorum DC
13
20
Desmodium gyrans DC
Desmodium triqetrum (L.) DC
13
22
Desmodium gyroides DC.
Desmodium umbellatum (L.) DC
13
22
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC
Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC
14
22
Desmodium heterophyllum (Willd.) DC
Desmodium spp. not identified
14
22
Desmodium intortum Urb.
Footnotes
14
22
Desmodium lasiocarpum DC
Alkaloid Summary
14
23-28
Desmodium laxiflorum DC
References
15
29-31
Desmodium microphyllum (Thunb.) DC.
Index
15
32-37
Desmodium nemorosum F. Muell.
15
Desmodium nicaraguense Oerst.
15
Desmodium oldhami Oliv.
3
Trout’s Notes on the Genus Desmodium
Desmodium gangeticum Desmodium species (D. incanum?)

found growing on the
slopes of Haleakala,
Maui, Hawaii
4
Trout’s Notes on
The Genus Desmodium
(Chemistry, Ethnomedicine, Pharmacology,
Synonyms & Miscellany)
The Genus Desmodium

Compiled and edited by K. Trout
©1997 Trout & Friends
LEGUMINOSAE
Papilionaceae: Hedysareae, Desmodiinae
[Also classified as LEGUMINOSAE: Fabaceae.]
Desmodium =Phyllodium =Hedysarum (often

but not always.) =Meibomia
Inoculate with Rhizobium CB-627 . A representative few include: febrifuges, treat-

Commercial cow-pea inoculant works well. [Ed. ments for abscesses, acne, catarrh, dysentery, eye
As also does Lespedeza inoculant.] diseases, infections and liver diseases.
While numerous of their many contained alka-
Likes alluvial, limestone or sandy soil. loids are known to be pharmacologically active,
Flowers the second year. DUKE 1981. only 4 are active as entheogens. Hallucinogenic
Genus includes 170 tropical and subtropical activity has been proven only for DMT and 5-
species. CAIUS 1989: page 42 MeO-DMT and their N-oxides . These water
soluble N-oxides are converted to their parent
Genus includes 350-450 spp. compounds when smoked [or they can be dis-
Name is from the Greek, “desmos”: “bond” or solved in acetic acid and reduced to their parents
“chain” and “hode”: “like”; in reference to the by adding an excess of zinc dust (stir for ~30
resemblance of the jointed seed pods to links of a minutes then neutralize the acid with base and
chain. ALLEN & ALLEN 1981 recover with a nonpolar solvent)]
Others possibly exist but have not yet seen
Many species are commonly called Beggar’s evaluation in humans. Animal studies published in
Lice, Beggarweed, Tick clover or Tick trefoil in GHOSAL 1972a strongly suggest that 5-Methoxy-N-
reference to the seeds which are covered with methyltryptamine may also be active but this must
tiny hooked hairs that enable them to tightly be viewed as tentative indications since animal
adhere to fabrics and animal skins (Velcro-like) models frequently fail in both directions as predic-
and allows seed distribution by passing animals. tors of hallucinogenic activity and any human
The genus is important in establishing erosion bioasssays are unknown. One or more of the 6-
control, ground cover and wildlife protection in methoxylated β-carbolines MAY be active but
burned or other lands cleared of vegetation. Once beyond known and demonstrated anti-cholinest-
other plants begin to predominate, Desmodiums erase activity, this is not yet proven. [GHOSAL 1972a
usually disappear due to the increased shading. reported them as possibly weakly entheogenic with
Some such as D. gangeticum and D. a prolonged duration.]
heterocarpon are of value in controlling weeds Normacromerine, present in low concentrations
and erosion in sandy areas. in D. tiliaefolium is also suggested as a hallucino-
As will be noticed below, many species of gen based entirely on animal studies. N-Methyla-
Desmodium are highly valued in folk medicine for tion of active phenethylamines abolishes
a variety of uses. hallucinogenicity in every known instance. IT
seems less than likely that normacromerine and
macromerine are exceptions. It also has apparently
seen no evaluation in humans. (None of the other
5
phenethylamines present are hallucinogenic.) Including, but not limited to: Desmodium
barbatum, D. canum, D. discolor, D. intortum,
An odd side-note: D. latifolium and D. nicaraguense. These are
A rare (and fatal) human disease called ‘kuru’ cultivated in some regions as such.
is characterized by staggering and madness. Desmodium heterophyllum also provides good
[Primary symptoms: Ataxia and decreased forage but is said to produce a low yield of
coordination leading to dementia, paralysis, material.
slurred speech and visual disturbances. While the C.C.J. Culvenor 1973 went so far as to claim
incubation period may last up to 30 years, death “...there are no reports of adverse effects in
generally occurs within a month of the appear- grazing animals” but L.J. Webb 1948 mentioned
ance of symptoms. There is no known treat- “string halt ” being reported in horses grazing on
ment.] D. brachypodum and “Chillagoe disease”
This is a disease, primarily limited to the similarly thought to result from D. umbellatum
Highlands of New Guinea, which is caused by a (both in Australia). [Chemistry has not been
prion (an infectious protein capable of reverse reported for either.]
transcription into RNA) and usually is transmit- Alkaloids known to be potentially toxic to
ted by the ritual consumption (ritual cannibalism) grazing animals have been reported from
of the raw brains of infected dead relatives. Due Desmodium species. However, phenethylamines
to modern attempts to suppress cannibalism, its such as N-Methyltyramine, Hordenine and
incidence is on a steady decline. Candicine have thus far been observed at sub-
Although no doubt entirely coincidental, we find stantial levels only in the roots.
the common name for Desmodium intortum, Others such as Gramine, Tryptophan derivatives
“Kuru Vine”, to be rather curious in light of the and Indole Acetic Acid have been found in the
fact many identical phenethylamines, leaves only in small concentrations.
tryptamines, other indolics, and β-carbolines that Indole acetic acid and tryptophan derivatives
exist in some species of Desmodium also occur may not be directly toxic to grazing animals but
in the important forage crop Phalaris; a genus can be metabolized by the gut flora of some
which is occasionally implicated in the develop- ruminants (cattle but not goats or sheep) to 3-
ment of severe neurological disorders in rumi- Methylindole.
nants characterized by “staggers” (Unlike 3-Methylindole was demonstrated by Carlson
Desmodium. So far, we unable able to find and coworkers to be the direct causative agent of
documentation of similar problems resulting from Acute Bovine Pulmonary Emphysema. [Carlson
Desmodium spp.) et al. 1972]
While Desmodium species may serve as valuable
Many (but not most) species of Desmodium fodder or forage, representing no threat to grazing
are highly valued as forage material animals, a blanket assumption of safety for the
genus is unwarranted.
6
The Desmodium Species
Desmodium adscendens (SW.) DC convulsions, cough, epilepsy, tinea [Ed.; in French, teigne
[= Hedysarum adscendens SWARTZ. = Hedysarum caespitosum may also be used to refer to skin diseases such as ringworm],
POIR. = Desmodium caespitosum (POIR.) DC. = Desmodium venereal diseases, and vertigo.
strangulatum THW.] MOTT also includes an interesting ‘magical’ use:
When a person [has a business matter to attend to, is
Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa suffering from ‘troubles’ or ‘problems’], a heap of the
CAIUS 1989: page 42 leaves is made into a mixture with earth and spread on
the body. After this, they are [to get up and go out (raise
Stem-leaf powder used in Ghana for medical treatment of up?) into] the sun; making sure that they are not seen by
asthma. (Daily dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons of dry powder anyone. After doing, this everything is said to go fine.
given in warm water) [My translation is a bit shaky, the original is below]
[“Si un Mozombo a une “AFFAIRE”, ils pile des
Effective as prophylaxis against asthma attacks; ineffec- feuilles qu’il mélange à de la terre. Il doit se frotter le
tive as treatment for attacks. corps avec cette préparation au lever du soleil, sans que
Provides protection against acetylcholine- and histamine- personne le voie. Alors, tout se passera bien.”]
aerosol-induced bronchospasms. Elizabeth MOTTE 1980: page 376.
Extract inhibits anaphylactic contraction of guinea-pig
ileum. Occurs in Africa, America, India, Malaysia, Melanesia, Sri
Extracts also reduce sensitivity of smooth muscles to Lanka, & Thailand.
histamine but in the presence of high levels of histamine SANJAPPA 1991: p. 149.
only prolong the time required to reach maximum contrac-
tion.
Chemical evaluations not performed. Desmodium axillare (Sw.) Kuntze
M.E. ADDY & E.M.K. AWUMEY 1984
See also pharmacological evaluation by N’GOUEMO et al. Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa
1996. Known as “Amor seco”, “Pega pega”
Said to be used similarly to D. adscendens.
DUKE 1994: page 64
“Amor seco”, “Beggar-lice”, “Margarita”
Infusion for nervousness or in baths for vaginal infections.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) BENTH.
Believed to re-attract a mate who’s affection has strayed.
Considered to have magic powers.
“Wild senna” (British Honduras)
Said to be used as contraceptive.
VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973: entry # 1766.
Also, leaf tea as external wash to cause lactation in dry
mothers.
Used medicinally in Madagascar.
DUKE 1994: page 64
CAIUS 1989: page 42
“Beggarlice” (English)
“Pega-pega” (Panamanian Spanish)
Leaves used for consumption, convulsions, venereal sores Desmodium brachypodum A.GRAY.
& applied (with lime juice) to wounds.
DUKE & VASQUEZ MARTINEZ 1986 “Tick trefoil”
Suspected (along with Glycine tabacina) of causing “string-
Africa: “Lo a guo” halt” in horses, April 1940. Near Stanthorpe in
Cameroon: “Tombolombo” Queensland, Australia. [Queensland Herbarium Records]
Ivory Coast: “Acoumengate” WEBB 1948: p. 84.
Liberia: “Loa guo”
Sierra Leone: “Koli-niki” (“Leopard’s ground nut”),
“Ndogbo-nikili” (“Bush groundnut”) and “Te-yundo”
(from the compounded words for “groundnut” and
Desmodium cajanifolium (HBK) KUNTZE
“bush”).
Known as “Amor seco’
Leaf is used for bronchial asthma, colic, constipation,
Used to treat shock
convulsions, cough, ringworm, venereal sores and for
DUKE 1994: page 64
dressing wounds.
AYENSU 1978: page 149.
Negative screening by BOUQUET and by BOUQUET & DEBRAY.

Leaves used for antidote in poisonings, blennorrhea
[Ed.; i.e. an excessive discharge of mucus; also used as an
obsolete term for gonorrhea], colds, constipation,
7
Desmodium canum (J.F.GMEL.) SCHINZ & Desmodium cephalotes (ROXB.) WALL.

[= Desmodium triangulare (Retz.) Merr. = Hedysarum cephalotes
THELL. (Roxb.) Wall ex Wight & Arn. = Hedysarum triangulare Retz. =
[= Desmodium supinum (SW.) DC. and Desmodium frutescens
Hedysarum umbellatum Roxb.]
(JACQ.) SCHINDL.]
In Stem-Roots (from 3.2 kg.):

“Kaimi clover”, “Creeping beggar-weed.”
Hordenine (major) (120 mg.)
Tolerates acid soil and warm, wet climates. Valued in Hawaii
Tyramine (87 mg.)
and Florida as forage.
Phenethylamine (24 mg.)
Root extract was used in Cuban hospitals to treat wounds
Candicine (46 mg.)
(during their wars of independence).
ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: page 229 citing LEÓN & ALAIN 1951. (±) salsolidine (28 mg.)
choline (57 mg.)
unidentified quaternary base (22 mg.)
Desmodium caudatum (THUNB.)DC
[= Catenaria caudata (THUNB.) SCHINDL. = Catenaria laburnifolia
In leaf (total leaf alkaloid 0.0048%):
(POIR.) BENTH. = Hedysarum caudatum THUNB. = Hedysarum Phenethylamine (major)
laburnifolium POIR. = Meibomia caudata (THUNB.) O.KUNTZE = Tyramine (minor)
Meibomia laburnifolia (POIR.) O. KUNTZE = Desmodium Salsolidine (trace)
laburnifolium (POIR.) DC.] GHOSAL & MEHTA 1974
[= Desmodium triangularis (Retz.) Merr.]

“Karabija”
Roots are used for rheumatism.
In roots (4:1 ratio/ major: minor): Unspecified parts used for diarrhea, eye cataracts, and
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (major alkaloid) (0.087% by dry stomach-ache.
weight) (recovered 388 mg of purified alkaloid from 3.39 JAIN 1991: p. 72.
grams crude alkaloid but would have recovered 446.5 mg. if
they had used all of their picrate. If they had used all of their
crude alkaloid fraction (11.1 gm) their recovery would have “Different parts are used” for bronchial spasms and cough,
been 1.46 grams.) as a cure for dysentery and as a central stimulant. GHOSAL &
Bufotenine-N-oxide (minor alkaloid- 0.03%) MEHTA 1974
In stem: Occurs throughout India (in Eastern Himalayas up to 1500

Bufotenine (major alkaloid) (0.04% by dry weight) (from 6.9 meters).
grams of crude residue from chromatographic fraction. If all Also in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia,
picrate had been used: 4.3 gm from 10.75 kg of stems.) China, Malesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (minor alkaloid- 0.0035%) SANJAPPA 1991: page 163.
Bufotenine-N-oxide (minor alkaloid- 0.004%)
UENO et al. 1978 Grows in the Northern Circars, Hills of the Deccan and
[Ed.: It must be noted that their step of partitioning the residue Carnatic and Western Ghats in India. Said to occur up to 3000
of a methanolic extract between Ethyl acetate and water would feet. Component of forest undergrowth, occurring with teak in
have most likely resulted in a partial loss of DMT into the the south and with Sal in the north of India.
Ethyl acetate. It must also be noted that leaves were not GHOSAL & MEHTA 1974
analyzed.]
Collected in May.
Western region of Japan = Chinese drug “Moh-Ts’ao”

Desmodium dichotomum (RETZ.) MERR.
[= Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC = Desmodium
“Misonaoshi”: Japanese name for plant.
quinquangulatum (Roxb.) Wight = Hedysarum articulatum
UENO et al. 1978 Roxb. = Hedysarum dichotomum Willd. = Hedysarum diffusum
Pinyin: Willd. = Hedysarum quinquangulatum]
Uses: Plant: analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic, detoxicant and “Chirola”

insecticide. Whole plant is decocted for abdominal cramps in Whole plant is used for fevers and stomach-ache.
women, boils, carbuncles, dysentery, duodenal ulcers, fever, JAIN 1991: p. 72.
gastroenteritis, influenza, measles and mastitis. [cites N.I.H.
1974) Occurs in Burma, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India (in Peninsula,
DUKE & AYENSU 1985 Bihar, Gujarat, Rajathan, Uttar Pradesh and W. Bengal),
Indonesia, Nigeria and Sudan.
Occurs in Bhutan, Burma, China, India (Western to Eastern SANJAPPA 1991: page 152.
Himalayas up to 1350 meters, in Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Uttae Pradesh), Korea, Japan,
Ryukyu, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.
SANJAPPA 1991: page 150.
8
Desmodium discolor VOGT. Desmodium gangeticum DC.

[= Desmodium maculatum (L.) DC. = Aeschinomene
Brazilian shrub grown as forage. gangetica (L.) Poir. = Aeschinomene maculata (L.) Poir. =
UPHOF 1968: p. 176. Hedysarum collinum Roxb. = Hedysarum gangeticum L. =
Hedysarum maculatum L.]
Desmodium distortum MACB. Observations noted during 1993 field trials.

Container grown had 1/4 the branches of field planted
Called “Engorda caballo” [“Horse fattener”] in Guatemala. specimens.
VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973: #1767.
Incredibly tough plants even as seedling. Very drought
tolerant.
Handles extreme sun exposure although both the leaf
and plant size stays smaller. Foliar feeding burns easily.
Desmodium dunni Shade to partial shade grown plants started flowering
later but leaf size was much larger. Set seeds later but in
Used as beans in China. much heavier groupings. Seed production started at several
von Reis Altschul 1973: #1770. months of age on plants in full sun. With those in shade; it
was several months later, if at all. Plants showing good
nodulation had the largest and best growth but did not
Desmodium floribundum flower the first year.
Plants stunted in heavy clay.
Hypaphorine in root and stem-leaf Did well in potting soil.
GHOSAL 1972a (citing MEHTA 1973: p. 38) Did well in sandy loam.
Highest losses occurred in rich soil.
Will repeat in 1994.
Flower colors observed, sometimes mixed on a given
plant: white, pink, purple and pink and purple.
K.TROUT 1993-observation. Yellowish-white flowers
in heavier axillary groupings than usual during August in 4
year old plants. 1997.
Thrives in good garden dirt. Plant 1 ft. to 18” apart.
Easy from seed. New plants start readily from dropped
seeds. May not set seed in colder climates the first year.
Needs some winter protection to ensure survival in spring.
Top surface of leaves often turns red in winter.
tlc by J. APPLESEED (unpublished research 1994-1996)
detected no alkaloids until the end of the second year of
growth at which point 5-MeO-DMT started to show up
in small amounts. DMT began to become detectable
during the third year; co-occurring with 5-MeO-DMT.
(Roots and aerial portions assayed.) Plants grown from
seed obtained via otj and JLH.
Desmodium gangeticum “Small shrub to 4” covered with grey downy hair. Very
rare outside of India, where it finds use in herbal medicine.
Its Sanskrit name saumya means “rich in soma juice’ and
had led scholar David Flattery to postulate the Vedic
Soma potion was perhaps a Peganum/Desmodium
ayahuasca analog, due to its concentrations of
tryptamines.”
...otj 1995 catalog
Note on the Chemistry summary which follows:

The published data is reported as encountered.
All discrepancies have been left intact.
Where it says ? gm, this indicates that Ghosal recovered an
oil but did not note its weight.
9
Desmodium gangeticum DC.

Trivia of potential interest:
Aerial parts: From 1 kg.: (Fresh wet wt.) Phenethylamine can be steam distilled. bp 197-198o C.
DMT ? grams of oil Hordenine sublimes at 173-174o C and 11 mm.
(weight of first crop not given) N-Methyltyramine should be as simple to remove.
+ 0.41 gm (second)
OR:
Thick colorless oil as chloroform soluble acetate
DMT-N-oxide 0.21 + 0.12 gm
DMT and 5-MeO-DMT can also readily be converted to
(Hygroscopic solid) as chloroform soluble acetate their N-oxides by the action of hydrogen peroxide in ethanol. (1
5-MeO-DMT 0.57 gm. ml 30% hydrogen peroxide per 4 ml of ethanol) (Separates as
Colorless plates from light petroleum-benzene 50:50 flocculant solid.)
5-MeO-DMT-N-oxide Trituration with petroleum ether (grinding with solvent in
Pale brown gum 0.18 gm. mortar and pestle) will extract the phenethylamines, while the
Nb-Me-H 4 –harman N-oxides remain behind in the residue.
“Almost crystalline” 0.03 gm.
Recovery can be made by dissolving the N-oxides in dilute
6-MeO-2-Me-β-carbolinium cation 0.07 gm
Amorphous; Light brown Purified 0.04 gm
acetic acid (or dissolving in water and acidifying with acetic
BANERJEE & GHOSAL 1969 acid), reducing with zinc dust (add an excess amount to the
[Citing GHOSAL & MUKHERJEE 1966 for isolation and characteriza- solution and stir for 30 minutes), basifying the resulting
tion and JOHNS et al. 1966b and GHOSAL & BANERJEE 1968] solution and extracting the resulting free bases into a good
[Also reported in GHOSAL et al. 1972e] organic solvent.
Fresh has over 3X the alkaloids than either dried or preserved Seeds:
material. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Air dried has 0.01-0.03% total alkaloids. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide
Dry plant has higher proportions of 5-MeO-DMT:DMT than A β -carboline
fresh material. Unidentified indole bases
BANERJEE & GHOSAL 1969 GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972
(A similar phenomenon also observed in Phalaris tuberosa. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide 1.

If the data can be extrapolated, it might imply that macerating 6-Methoxy-2-methyl- β-carbolinium cation 1.
the leaves with ethanol immediately upon harvest might Phosphatidyl ethanolamine 2.
maximize alkaloid content by destroying enzymatic activity Phosphatidyl serine 2.
and beginning the extraction process.) Phosphatidyl inositol 2.
Sphingomyelin 2.
“Assays with fresh green or air dried and preserved plants 1. GHOSAL et al. 1970b
indicated that the alkaloid content of the aerial portions of green 2. RASTOGI et al. 1971
plant material was more than three times the amount present in
dry and preserved samples.” I must agree with Jonathan OTT (1993: 259) that FLATTERY is
The roots of D. gangeticum showed no such phenomenon. grasping for straws in assuming additive plants were used in
GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972 soma.
If one has any familiarity with neurochemistry, the above
Roots (Dried) Refs. (From 1.6 kg dry) 1 components of seed make the observation that D. gangeticum
Phenethylamine 1, 3, 4 0.28 gm. (impure) 1 is “Known as saumya or amsúmat “rich in soma juice”. ” quite
A β-Hydroxy-phenethylamine fascinating.
(New & unidentified-See β-keto below?) 1
N,N-Dimethyl-β-keto-phenethylamine Green Plant (Stem and Leaf):
(New compound) 3
(2 kg. yielded 1.3 gm. of bases)
N-Methyl-tyramine 1, 3, 4 0.5 gm. 1
Hordenine
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
(Major base) 1, 3, 4 0.82 gm.+ 1 N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide
Candicine 1, 2, 3, 4 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Unidentified phenethylamine 1, 4 0.18 gm. 1 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide
DMT 1, 3, 4 0.38 gm 1 Nb-Methyl-H4-harman (Leptocladine)
[0.02%] 6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-β-carbolinium cation (Previously
DMT-N-oxide 1, 3, 4 0.12 gm. (impure) 1 unreported in nature)
0.07 gm from ca. 2 kg 2
Quaternary indole bases
Hypaphorine 1, 2, 3, 4
Choline 2
GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972
1. GHOSAL & BANERJEE 1969
2. GHOSAL et al. 1970b [6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-β-carbolinium cation was found to
3. GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972. [Harvest June-Sept. 1967.] possess anticholinesterase activity by GHOSAL et al. 1977b]
4. GHOSAL et al. 1972e
3 Above obtained yield of 0.4 gm total alkaloid from 1.6 kg.
dried and milled roots. Compare with 1 above. Seasonal or
local variability? Or other?.....
10
Desmodium gangeticum
Desmodium gangeticum DC. Ayurvedic description

DMT in root, stem-leaf and fruit Sanskrit: Shaalaparna, Shaalaparni
DMT-N-oxide in root, stem-leaf and fruit Synonyms: Aakuparnikaa, Amshumati, Atiguha,
Hypaphorine in root Atiruha, Deerghamoolika, Dhruva, Guha,
5-MeO-DMT in stem-leaf Mahaakleetaanika, Parninee, Peethanee, Saumya, Sthira,
5-MeO-DMT-N-oxide in stem-leaf Triparni, Vidaarigandha
6-Methoxy-N-methyl-β-carbolinium cation in stem-leaf Properties: Rasa - Madhura, Tikta
Guna - Guru, Snigdha?
Nb-Methyl-H4-harman in stem-leaf
Veerya - Ushna
GHOSAL 1972a
Vipaaka - Madhura
Actions, Uses: Angamardaprashamana, Ateesaaraghna,
Brihmana, Chardighna, Garavishahara, Hridya, Krimighna,
DMT and 5-MeO-DMT in whole plant, root, stem and leaf
Kshataghna, Mehaghna, Mootrala, Rasaayana, Shoshahara,
cites BANERJEE & GHOSAL 1969
Shothahara, Shwaasahara, Snehana, Stambhana, Trishnaghna,
and GHOSAL & BANERJEE 1969
Vishamajwaraghna, Vrishya.
and GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972
“Medicinal properties and uses: It is a bitter tonic, febrifuge,
also
digestive, anticatarrhal, alterative and tonic (Nadkarni, 1954).
“Hordenine, or peyocactin, is a stimulant found in whole
The root of D. gangeticum is one of the ingredients of a famous
Desmodium gangeticum at a level of 0.05% [Footnote1] and in
Ayurvedic preparation Dashamoola kwaatha, which is
Dutaillyea oreophila leaves at 0.013% [BAUDOUIN et al.
considered to be antipyretic, alterative and a bitter tonic. It is
1981]
reported to be beneficial in the treatment of typhoid, bilious-
OTT 1994
ness and also as a diuretic and aphrodisiac.”
[Ed. Hordenine is also known as Anhaline.]
“The aerial portions contained two previously known indole-
3-alkylamines and their Nb-oxides, Nb -Methyl-H4-Harman,
A lactone (C16H30O2) was recovered from the roots.
and 6-Methoxy-2-Methyl-β-carboline...... In addition, fresh
ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: p. 229, cited AVASTHI & TEWARI 1955a
plant materials showed large numbers of uncharacterized
and 1955b.
indoles and 5-oxy indoles of low Rf values. (GHOSAL and
BANERJEE, 1968)”
Commercially, D. gangeticum is sold as cut pieces of root
“Pharmacology: The aqueous extract of the root of D.
mixed with short stems.
gangeticum exhibited anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-
ICMR (1976) p. 347.
fungal activities. The drug showed inhibitory effect on the
isolated frog’s heart. It had a relaxant effect on the smooth
Commercial material may actually be other Desmodium
muscles of intestines of rabbit and dog and on the isolated rat
species and sometimes species of Flemingia.
uterus. The drug had mild diuretic effect and it inhibited
AHUJA 1965: pp. 32-33.
respiration in moderate doses. It was found to be non-toxic in
acute toxicity studies. (PREMA, 1968)
Used in Indian medicine:
The total alkaloid fraction of stem and leaves of D.
Root extracts: asthma, diarrhea, dysentery and chronic fever.
gangeticum and total alkaloids of roots of D. pulchellum
Aerial portion extract: Aphrodisiac, for biliousness, eye
exhibited curariform activity on frog’s rectus muscles.
diseases and as uterine stimulant.
(BHATTACHARYA and SANYAL, 1969).”
GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA (1972)
INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH 1987: pp. 345-349,
citing:
Aerial portions used as an antidote for snake bite and scorpion
BHATTACHARYA & SANYAL 1969
stings.
GHOSAL & BANERJEE 1968
GHOSAL et al. 1972e
PREMA 1968
See also PRASAD & ANSARI 1966-1967
“Desmodium gangeticum DC. (Syn. Hedysarum gangeticum
Linn.)
Total alkaloid fraction of stem and leaf exhibited curariform
Ben. - Salpani
activity, non-toxic, relaxant to smooth muscles, mild diuretic
Hind. - Sarivan
and respiratory inhibitor.
Kan. - Shaliparni
Roots had a nicotine type effect on intestine and carotid
Mar., Kon and Salvan
blood pressure.
Tam. - Pullaadi
B. OLIVER-BEVER 1983
Tel. - Gitanaram
cites BHATTACHARYA & SANYAL 1969 and ALL contained references
Habitat: Grows wild in lower Himalayan regions and through- therein. and
out the plains of India. PREMA 1968, and
Parts used: Whole plant, root and bark. GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972
See also GHOSAL et al. 1972e
“Desmodium gangeticum DC. is common on the lower hills

and plains throughout India; on the Himalayas it ascends to
5,000 feet. It is spread east to Pegu and Ceylon, the Malay
Peninsula and Archipelago, and is distributed to China, the
11
Philippine Islands and tropical Africa. Desmodium gangeticum DC.

The plant is considered antipyretic and anticatarrhal. The Native to the Asian tropics and Australia.
root is used as a febrifuge by Hindu physicians.” Called Bergboontjes by speakers of Dutch.
Arabic: Organsi VAN WIJK 1911
Bengal: Salpan, Salpani, Salvani
Bombay: Daye, Salparni, Salwan Bengali: Salpáni
Canarese: Murelehonne Hindu: Sarivan
English: Tick Trefoil Sanskrit: Salaparni
Guam: Atis-aniti Small shrub common in the lower Himalayan regions and on
Gujerati: Salwan the plains of India.
Hindi: Salpan, Salpani, Salun, Salwan, Shalparni Used for fever and catarrh.
Khasi: Nai-khong Chief of the 10 ingredients in Dasamula kvatha.
Malayalam: Pullati DEY 1986: page 114
Marathi: Darh, Ranbal,Salparni, Salwan
North-West Provinces: Pustboeni “Salparni”
Philippines: Mankit Undershrub distributed in the outer Himalayas, occurring up
Porebunder: Ekapanipanddhiyo to 5000 feet, and “throughout India to Ceylon and Burma,
Punjab: Shalpurni Malay Penninsula and Islands, Chine, Phillipines and tropical
Sanskrit: Anshumati, Astamati, Devi, Dhruva, Dirghamula, Africa.” It is said to be very common in Sal forests.
Dirghanghni, Dirghapatra, Dirghapatrika, Ekamula, Guha, Used medicinally in Dasamula.
Kitavinashini, Kumuda, Nishchala, Patini, Pivari, Salaparni, Root is most commonly used although occasionally the whole
Sarvanukarini, Saumya, Shalani, Shalidala, Shaliparni, plant is incorporated.
Shalipatra, Shophaghni, Shothaghni, Shubhapatrika, Sthira, Astringent, diuretic and tonic.
Subhagam Sudula, Sudha, Suparni, Suparnika, Supatri, Root decoction is used in folk medicine for fever. Also
Surupa, Tanvi, Triparni, Vataghni, Vidari, Vidarigandha, combined with other drugs for affections of chest and brain and
Vrihiparnika for fevers.
Santal: Tandibhedijanetet’ Occurs in the preparations:
Sinhalese: Aswenna “Chyavanprash”, “Dashmul Tail” and “Shalparni-adi-kwath”
Tamil: Pulladi Drug collection is during the rainy season (flowering time).
Telegu: Gitanaram, Kolakuporna, Nallanelapariki, AHUJA 1965: pp. 32-33.
Peddantrinta
Urdu: Shalwan Common names: “Chippi”, “Latkanni”
Uriya: Salopornni Sanskrit: “Salaparni”
Yoruba: Emimo, Ewe-emo Root of plant growing on an ant-hill is made into a paste with
CAIUS 1989: page 43 water and given in cases of diarrhea. (5-10 gram dosages)
CCRAS 1990: pages 63 and 107.
“Gitanaram” “Kolapanna” (Common names used in upper
East Godvari district, Andhra Pradesh, India) Woody plant occurring in Old World Tropics.
Root decoction is antipyretic and used in cough and asthma. Used for catarrh and fever (India).
SUDHAKAR & RAO 1985 Also used as a green manure.
UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
India: “Salparni”, “Sthira”, “Vidarigandha”
Ivory Coast/ Upper Volta: “Gayoukri”, “Prikou” Leaf and stem alkaloids at 8-10 mg./kg. (oral and parenteral
Southern Nigeria: “Aberodefe”, “Amo aberodefe”, “Emimo”, administration) produced effects in albino rats and mice which
“Ewe-emo” [emo is in reference to the adhesive seeds] have been used in animal models to indicate hallucinogenic
Leaf is used for urinary problems. activity.
Root used as astringent and diuretic, for abdominal tumors, Observed symptoms from the total leaf and stem alkaloids
asthma, chest and brain affections, diarrhea, fever, chronic include: Excitation and or jumping movements, hyperactivity,
fever and nasal polyps. tremors, paralysis of hindlimbs, tapping with forelimbs,
Also reported as anticatarrhal and febrifuge. Used for convulsions and respiratory arrest.
dysentery and worms (parts used not given.) The alkaloids derived from the seeds produced similar
AYENSU 1978: page 149. behavioral changes but there was no significant changes in
behavior when given the total root alkaloids.
“Chapot”, “Gitanaram”, “Kolapanna”, “Salparni” GHOSAL & BHATTACHARYA 1972
Root is used for asthma, cough, dysentery, fevers, a snake
bite antidote and vomiting. Occurs in tropical Africa, Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China,
Whole plant is used for bronchitis, fever and as a tonic. India (all; in Himalayas up to 1400 meters), Malesia, Nepal,
Unspecified parts are used for dysentery and eye infections. Pakistan, Ryukyu, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
JAIN 1991: p. 72. SANJAPPA 1991: page 153-154.
12
Desmodium guianense DC Occurs in “northern parts of Bengal, N. Circars, Deccan and

Hills of Carnatic and also W. Ghats, up to 3000 ft, in grass
Used medicinally in Guiana. lands and forest undergrowth widespread but nowhere very
CAIUS 1989: page 42 common.”
GHOSAL et al. 1972a
Asian tropics.
Desmodium gyrans DC Known as Gyred cock’s head/ Move plant/ Moving plant/
[= Desmodium motorium (HOUTT.) MERR. = Desmodium roylei Telegraph plant/ Whirling plant.
WIGHT & ARN. = Codariocalyx gyrans (L.F.) HASSK. =
French- Herbe vivante/ Herbe vive/ Perpetum mobile [Maurit.]/
Codariocalyx motorius (HOUTT.) OHASHI = Hedysarum motorium
HOUTT. = Hedysarum gyrans L.f. = Meibomia gyrans (L.f.) Sainfoin animé/ Sainfoin oscillant.
O.KUNTZE.] German- Beweglicher klee/ Süssklee/ Büschelkraut/ Drenender
klee/ Kreisende fesselhülse/ Kreisender hahnenkopf/
In stem/ leaves: Telegraphen bundelhülse/ Telegraphenpflanze/ Wandelklee
DMT-N-oxide 2 Dutch- Draaiende desmodium/ Telegraaf plant
5-MeO-DMT 1, 2 Van WIJK 1911
Leptocladine 1, 2
1. GHOSAL 1972a “Bhunakra”, “Ote-atil”
2. GHOSAL et al. 1970b Root is used medicinally for rheumatism and given symboli-
cally to lovers to keep them together.
Leaves (from 2 kg.) (Total alkaloids 0.036%) Leaf and flowers are used for wounds.
β-Phenethylamine (0.11 gm.) JAIN 1991: p. 72.
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (82 mg.)
DMT-N-oxide (0.18 gm.) D. gyrans; “Telegraph Plant”
Bufotenine (68 mg.) Tracks the sun with slow jerky movements even when no wind
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine (97 mg.) is present.
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (35 mg.) Soak seeds 12 hours. Plant 1/2” deep in loamy soil.
5-MeO-DMT-N-oxide (trace) Keep warm and lightly moist. Bright light.
Uncharacterized indole-3-alkylamines (27 mg.) BANANA TREE 1993 catalog and packet label
Uncharacterized β-carboline (26 mg.)
Occurs throughout most of India, up to 2500 meter, and also in
GHOSAL et al. 1972a Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Malesia,
Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Roots (from 0.5 kg.) (Total alkaloids 0.33%):
Hypaphorine (1.2 gm.)
Choline (0.4 gm.)
Minor alkaloids (52 mg.) i.e. DMT, DMT-N-oxide and two
uncharacterized indole-3-alkylamines. Desmodium gyroides DC.
Traces of unidentified β-phenethylamines
[= Codariocalyx gyroides (ROXB.) HASSK. = Hedysarum gyroides
ROXB. = Meibomia gyroides (ROXB. ex LINK) O.KUNTZE.]
GHOSAL et al. 1972a
Roots: Whole plant is combined with 4 leaves of Ocimum sanctum,

5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine made into a paste and put inside of a banana. This is “given
Hypaphorine to a lady for conception.” TARAFDER 1983
GHOSAL 1972a
Also noted by Jain to be used medicinally to promote
Desmodium gyrans seemed to prefer being on the dry side. conception. JAIN 1991: p. 72.
Only those in clay soil thrived in sun. Those in shade and
Shrub-like plant occurring in Asian tropics.
partial shade did not get as big but did well in sandy loam or
Used as a green manure.
potting soil. None flowered the first year. Responded well to
UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
foliar feeding with fish. Urea seemed to check marked tendency
towards going chlorotic.
Occurs in the tropical Himalayas from Garhwal to Arunachal
Plants did not survive 1993-1994 winter in Taylor, Texas
Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Nagaland and West
(17o F low). Around half a dozen seedlings came up in past
Bengal. Besides India, it is also found in Bhutan, Burma,
year’s flats during April 1994. They did not survive past the
China, Malesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
seedling stage (thought due to local acid rain – measured ~ pH
4).
K.TROUT 1993 field trial observations
Leaves have aphrodisiac, diuretic, febrifugal and tonic

properties.
Roots used (in Indian medicine) as a remedy for asthma and
coughs, as an antidysenteric, an emollient and a laxative.
13
Desmodium intortum URB.

Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC [= Desmodium hjalmarsonii STANDL. = Desmodium trigonum
[= Desmodium polycarpon (POIR.) DC. = Desmodium (SW.) DC. = Hedysarum intortum Mill. = Meibomia intorta
trichocaulon DC. = Hedysarum heterocarpon L.] (MILL.) BLAKE.]
[As Desmodium polycarpum DC.]
“Kuru Vine”, “Greenleaf”, “Beggarlice”
Throughout India, Ceylon and Malaya. Occurs as far as China, Cuna Indians regard as a love potion.
Japan, the Philippines, Polynesia and East Africa. [Said to be frequently confused with Desmodium
Used by Santals for fainting and convulsions. aparines (Link) DC]
Malay: “Kachang kaya betina”, “Kalumbar”, “Katumbar”, DUKE 1981: pp. 77-79 citing P.F. MILLS 1968
“Rumput kerbau d’rapah” Page 59 of MILLS says little more (obtained via ILLS) Still
Mundari: “Piribit” need to see page 60-?
Santali: “Baephol”
Telugu: “Chepputatta” Highly regarded as fodder and graze for cattle.
Uriya: “Krishnupani”, “Salpani” ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: p. 229.
Fr. Jean Ferdinand CAIUS 1989
“Sarivan” Desmodium lasiocarpum DC

Root is used for fevers. [= Desmodium latifolium DC.]
Unspecified parts reported being used for cough, fainting and
as a tonic. “Suspected” OTT 1993: p. 246
JAIN 1991: p. 72.
“Desmodium lasiocarpum DC is found throughout
Occurs throughout India (up to 2350 meters), also Australia, the tropics of the Old World. It occurs in the Himalayas,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Japan, Malaysia, Pacific ascending to 4000 feet in Sikkim, and spreads to Burma
Islands, Ryukyu, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. and Ceylon. It is distributed [in] the Malay Archipelago,
SANJAPPA 1991: page 154-155. the Philippine Islands, Madagascar, and tropical Africa.
In Gold Coast native doctors mix the roots with small
hot peppers and use them in an enema to cure blood in
Desmodium heterophyllum (WILLD.) DC the urine.
[Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. var. majus WIGHT & ARN. = Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa.
Hedysarum heterophyllum Willd. = Hedysarum reptans ROXB. = Ashanti: Kohemi koko
Meibomia heterophylla (WILLD.) O.KUNTZE.] Benin: Yalelegbe
Burma: Kinbun
Malay: “Akar sisik naga”, “Akar telinga tikus”, “Omba- Ewe: Ledalede
omba” Fulani: Takabeh, Takamahi
Mauritius: “Trefle lievre” Hausa: ‘Danke ‘dafi, Ka ‘danka ‘dafi, Ma ‘da ‘ddafi
Found in tropical regions of the eastern Himalaya, Khasia, Rano: Damgere
Assom and, following Gulf, to Penang and Malacca. Fairly Menole: Nane, Nanci
common presence in plains of the Penisula and also Ceylon. Santali: Simmathasura
Occurs to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, China and Tamil: Anguchabadi, Chinanduri, Chimbadai,
the Mascarene Isles. Chimbattai, Chirubulladi, Chivamadu, Kidameri,
Used medicinally in Mauritius as a diuretic, for dysentery Kubayam, Kuchattinbadi
and as a cooling medicine. Telugu: Adiviyantinta, Gaba, Magalinga, Tellanelapariki
CAIUS 1989: pages 42 and 43. Timne: Agbintmarabana, Egbuntemoer
Twi: Otokataka
[as Desmodium heterophyllum Vogt] Uriya: Ronodalo
Trailing shrub occurring in South-East Asia to the Philippine Yoruba: Abashoka, Aberodefe, Berodefe, Emimo, Ewe
Islands. emo, Ewe omo”
Recommended as fodder for cattle. Fr. Jean Ferdinand CAIUS 1989
UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
Herbaceous plant from tropics of Africa and Asia.
Occurs in Andaman, the Peninsula of India, East India and In Nigeria it is used as a food for horses.
the Nicobar Islands, also in Australia, Bangladesh, Bonin, UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
Burma, China, Malesia, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Ryukyu,
Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
14
Desmodium laxiflorum DC Desmodium nicaraguense OERST.

[= Desmodium macrophyllum DESV. = Desmodium Desmodium nicaraguensis OERST. ex BENTHAM, according
recurvatum (ROXB.) WIGHT & ARN. = Desmodium rottleri to ALLEN & ALLEN 1981
SPRENG. = Hedysarum recurvatum ROXB. = Hedysarum
rottleri Spreng. = Hedysarum roxburghii SPRENG. =
“Desmodium nicaraguense. This shrub, a native of Central
Meibomia laxiflora (DC.) O.KUNTZE.]
America’s Pacific slope from Mexico to Nicaragua, is so
nourishing to livestock that in Guatemala and El Salvador
Powdered roots given to cure unconsciousness.
it is known as “engorda caballo” (horse fattener) or
JAMMU-TAWI 1982: page 545
“engorda cabras” (goat fattener). Its leaves and young
branches are eaten by livestock of all kinds and are
Desmodium laxiflorum DC.
locally considered excellent forage. The plant grows wild
(Used by Bhils in Mount Abu area (border of Rajastan
and in abundance, both in wet or dry thickets and on
and Gujarat states, western India)
rocky hillsides. It grows to 6m tall, but livestock usually
Root is used in chronic fevers and vomiting.
keep it cropped back. Although the shrubs recovers
SEBASTIAN & BHANDARI 1984
quickly after grazing, it is killed outright if cropped too
close. The foliage contains about 22 percent crude
Boiled roots drunk for puerperium in the Philippine
protein and can be harvested for hay or silage (up to 7
Islands.
cuttings a year have been achieved in Costa Rica). The
crop is easily established by direct sowing, seedling
transplants, or cuttings, and the plants can sustain heavy
“Kadakatru”
competition from grasses and other vigorous plants.”
Roots are used to treat fever, applied to small-pox,
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF (THE?) SCIENCES, WASHINGTON 1979
also given for unconsciousness or vomiting.
Tropical Legumes: Resources for the Future. page 125.
JAIN 1991: p. 72.
Desmodium nigaraguens (U.S.A.)
Occurs in most of India including Andaman, and the
+ Alkaloid screening SMOLENSKI et al. 1972
Nicobar Islands, also in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma,
China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philip-
Desmodium nigaraguense
pines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Called “Engorda-caballo” [“Horse fattener”] in Honduras.
Planted as forage.
Desmodium microphyllum (THUNB.) DC.

Desmodium oldhami OLIV.
“Chattomara”
Root is used as medicinal abortifacient.
Leaves used for tea in Japan.
JAIN 1991: p. 72.
ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: page 229
In all of India up to 2400 meters. Also found in Bhutan,
Perennial herbaceous plant from Japan. Use for tea also
Burma, China, Japan, Malesia, Nepal, Pakistan, and
mentioned by UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
Sri Lanka.
SANJAPPA 1991: page 157. According to SANJAPPA this is
the same species as D. parvifolium DC.
Desmodium paniculatum (L.) DC.
[= Meibomia paniculata (L.) O.KTZE. = Meibomia pubens
(T&G) RYDB. = Meibomia dillenii (DARL.) O.KTZE. =
Desmodium nemorosum F. MUELL. Desmodium dillenii DARL. = Desmodium perplexum SCHUB. =
Desmodium glabellum (MICHX.) DC.]
Reputed poisonous to stock by F.M. BAILEY 1909: p.
140. “Panicled tickclover.”
WEBB 1948: p. 84. Flowering from July to September.
STUBBENDIECK & CONRAD 1989: page 165. Line drawing on
page 164.
“Suspected” OTT 1993: page 246
15
And finally (all by dry weight unless specified otherwise):

Desmodium parvifolium DC. Young seedling stem & leaf
(0.12% Total alkaloid) % of total Actual %
“Beggarlice” (English), Gramine 2% ~0.002%
“Pega-pega” (Panamanian Spanish) N,N-DMT 62% ~0.074%
Eaten as a vegetable by the Indians. N,N-DMT -N-oxide 19% ~0.023%
DUKE & VASQUEZ MARTINEZ 1986: p. 75 Bufotenine 9% ~0.011%
5-Methoxy-
N-methyltryptamine 8% ~0.010%
Desmodium pulchellum BENTH. ex BAKER 5-Methoxy-DMT Detected Trace
[= Dicerma pulchellum (L.) DC. = Hedysarum pulchellum L.
= Meibomia pulchella (L.) O.KUNTZE = Phyllodium
pulchellum (L.) DESV.] Root of young seedling (0.37% Total alkaloid)
% of total Actual %
N,N-Dimethyl-tryptamine 73% ~O.27%
27 mg. in 10 gm.
DMT-N-oxide 3% ~0.011%
Whole plant (0.3% Total alkaloids): DMT-N-methyl cation 11% ~0.041%
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine 0.2-0.25% 5-Hydroxy-
Bufotenine N-methyltryptamine 6% ~0.022%
N,N-Dimethyl-tryptamine minor components 5-Methoxy-
DMT-N-oxide totalling 0.0018% N-methyltryptamine Detected Trace
6-Methoxy-N-methyl-
“The alkaloids are readily extractable with alcohol β-carbolinium cation Detected Trace
containing acetic acid and separable by column 6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-
chromatographic resolution over Brockman alumina. harman 7% ~0.026%
Elution with benzene gave the major base [5-MeO- Unidentified base Detected Trace
DMT], mp 69o (Yield 0.2-0.25%), while the minor According to the above; Whole plant of young seedlings will yield
components migrated out as a brown gum (yield 0.0018%) 3.4 gm. of DMT per kg.
[Bufotenine, DMT and DMT-N-oxide] upon washing
with ether-methanol (1:1). Subsequent elution with
Mature stem and leaf (1.4% Total alkaloid)
methanol yielded two other bases.”
% of total Actual %
S. GHOSAL & B. MUKHERJEE 1964
Gramine 7% 0.098%
[Editor’s addition]
N,N-DMT 21% 0.294%
However;
DMT-N-oxide 5% 0.070%
“the basic extract of the whole plant contains three other
5-Hydroxy-
related compounds (besides the four bases mentioned
N-methyltryptamine 4% 0.056%
above), viz.”
Bufotenine 8% 0.112%
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine (as an oil)
Bufotenine-N-oxide Detected Trace
Gramine (as an oil, isolated as picrate in yellow needles
from ethanol.)
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine 11% 0.154%
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide (as a 5-Methoxy-DMT 34% 0.476%
viscous brown impure oil, purified as a pale violet oil and 5-Methoxy-DMT-
isolated as picrate in fine crimson-red needles from ethanol.) N-oxide 5% 0.070%
GHOSAL & MUKHERJEE 1965 6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-
H4-β-carboline 2% 0.028%
Plant (4 kg. whole plant, dried, finely ground and defatted.) Unidentified bases 3% 0.042%
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (Major base. Colorless
plates from 8.36 gm. of chromatographic fraction residue) Mature plant seeds (0.02% Total alkaloid)
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide (17 mg. % of total Actual %
impure pale violet oil contaminated with lesser amounts of DMT 4% ~0.001%
gramine.) 5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine 8% ~0.002%
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine (HCl as needles; from 472 5-Methoxy-DMT 10% 0.002%
mg of impure residue containing 4 alkaloids.)
DMT-N-oxide Detected Trace
Bufotenine
2-Methyl-
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
β-carbolinium cation 13% ~0.003%
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide
6-Methoxy-
Gramine (yellow needles from 320 mg of impure chromato-
graphic fraction residue.)
tetrahydro-harman 26% ~0.005%
(note; numbers above do not generally reflect pure 6-Methoxy-2-methyl-
compounds) tetrahydro-β-carboline 3% ~0.001%
6-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-
GHOSAL & MUKHERJEE 1966
β-carbolinium cation 8% ~0.002%
Unidentified bases 28% ~0.006%
16
Desmodium pulchellum
Mature plant root (1.1% Total alkaloid) A new glycoside (the 1-Glucosylrhamnoside of physicion)
% of total Actual % was identified in seeds.
DMT 41% 0.451% ICMR 1976: p. 347, citing TIWARI & BANSAL 1971
as 790 mg. of pale yellow viscous liquid from 1.8 kg dried roots.
DMT-N-oxide 11% 0.121% Widely distributed throughout India.
as 222 mg.+ of brown gum from 1.8 kg dried roots. Bark decoction used antidotally to poisoning, for diarrhea,
DMT Metho cation eye diseases and hemorrhages.
(N-Methyl-DMT cation) 14% 0.154% Flowers are given for biliousness.
as 430 mg. of colorless prisms (as methiodide) from 1.8 kg dried GHOSAL & MUKHERJEE 1964 and GHOSAL et al. 1972c
roots.
5-Hydroxy- “Desmodium pulchellum Benth. is found throughout India,
N-methyltryptamine 7% 0.077% Ceylon and Malaya.
as 240 mg. of brown viscous liquid from 1.8 kg dried roots. A decoction of the bark is used in diarrhoea, haemorrhage,
Bufotenine Detected Trace and diseases of the eye.
Bufotenine-N-oxide Detected Trace It is generally believed in Assam that if a branch is kept
5-Methoxy-DMT 12% 0.132% under or anywhere in the house it drives away bedbugs
as 230 mg. of colorless rectangular plates from 1.8 kg dried from it.
roots. The flowers are given for biliousness.”
5-MeO-DMT Assam: Ursi
Metho cation 6% 0.066% Bengal: Jatasalpar
as 160 mg. of straw colored plates (as methiodide) from 1.8 kg
Burma: Toungtamin
dried roots.
Canarese: Jenukaddi, Kadukuralite, Kadumuduru, Tigure
6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-
Garhwal: Thap
H4-β-carboline 9% 0.099%
Hindi: Jat salpar
Unidentified bases Detected Trace
Jharna: Takamala
27 mg.+ of unidentified 3-alkylindole as a brown oil from 1.8 kg
dried roots and 18 mg.+ of an unidentified 5-Hydroxy-3-
Leyte: Calaicai
alkylindole as straw colored microneedles was also recovered. Malayalam: Kattumutira
Philippines: Manguit
Sanskrit: Jatasalpara
Mature plant green fruit (0.01% Total alkaloid) Santali: Birkapi
% of total Actual % Tagalog: Payang-payang
DMT 12% ~0.001% Telugu: Karrantinta, Kondotinta, Sarivi
DMT-N-oxide 72% ~0.007% Uriya: Jotasalopornni, Kodakotirichunddo, Krishnopornii
2-Methyl-β-carbolinium Visayan: Calayacay, Caliacay
cation 8% <0.001% CAIUS 1989: page 44
6-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-
β-carbolinium cation 2% <0.001% “Chapor”, “Dheknanadak”, “Jeetedari”
Unidentified bases 6% <0.001% Said to repel bedbugs.
Data above is from GHOSAL et al. 1972c Root is used for burning sensations in the abdomen.
Flowers are used for dental caries.
Gramine in stem-leaf Stem bark is given for headache.
DMT in root, stem-leaf and fruit Active biologically as a hypotensive agent.
DMT-N-oxide in root, stem-leaf and fruit JAIN 1991: p. 72.
DMT metho cation in root and stem-leaf
5-Hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine in root “Chinese also use Desmodium pulchellum (L.) BENTH. to
Bufotenine in root and stem-leaf expel rheumatic fever and convulsions (in children). They
5-MeO-MMT in stem-leaf consider it good for rheumatism and toothache, believing it
5-MeO-DMT in root, stem-leaf and flower dissolves internal blood clots and builds new red cells.
5-MeO-DMT-N-oxide in stem-leaf Malayans use the root decoction for puerperium. Filipinos
Harman in fruit and seed use the leaves for pocks and ulcers.” cites NIH 1974
6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-β-carboline in stem-leaf DUKE & AYENSU 1985: Page 322
6-Methoxy-tetrahydroharman in root and seed
Nb-Methyl- H4-harman in seed P’ai-chien-ts’ao; “String of coins”; Radix Desmodii Pulchelli
GHOSAL 1972a HU, Shiu-ying 1980
[The fully aromatic β-carbolines were found to possess
anticholinesterase activity by GHOSAL et al. 1977b] Occurs throughout the hills of India also in the eastern
Himalayas and Meghalaya. Found also in Burma, China,
DMT and 5-MeO-DMT in whole plant, root, stem, leaf and Malesia, Nepal, Ryukyu, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
fruit SANJAPPA 1991: page 160.
OTT 1994 citing GHOSAL & MUKHERJEE 1964, 1965 & 1966 and
GHOSAL et al. 1972c
17
Desmodium racemosum (THUNB.) DC Occurs in Ceylon and the hills of the Western Peninsula to
[= Desmodium oxyphyllum DC] Malaya (infrequent in the latter except for local occur-
rences). Also found in Abyssinia, the Mascarene Isles
and Natal.
Root: Aperient, deobstruent, emmenagogue and stomachic.
Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa.
Pinyin: In Cameroon, it is cooked in food for indigestion.
CAIUS 1989: page 45
English: Chinese desmodium
Uses: Tincture a respiratory stimulant, decoction a Occurs in India ( in Arunachal, Gujarat, Manipur,
diaphoretic [citing L.M. PERRY 1980] Meghalaya, the Peninsula, Pradesh and Rajasthan). Found
Chem.: Kaempferitrin [citing JIANGSU NEW MEDICAL COLLEGE also in Tropical Africa, Australia, Burma, Bhutan, China,
(eds.) 1979 Laos, Malaysia and Thailand.
DUKE & AYENSU 1985: page 323 SANJAPPA 1991: page 161.
Shan-ma-huang
Chinese Desmodium Desmodium retroflexum DC
Herba Desmodii Racemosi
HU, S.-Y. 1980: #1181 Indo-China: “Dai phong nui”
Occurs in Assam, Sylhet, Tenasserim and occasional in
5-MeO-DMT in whole plant China.
OTT 1994 cited HSU 1970 Root: Aperient, deobstruent, emmenagogue and stomachic.
Used medicinally in Indo-China.
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (whole plant) CAIUS 1989: page 44-45
HSÜ et al. 1982 cited HSÜ, Hong-Yen 1970
Also mentioned in HSÜ et al. 1986
“Nusubitonasi” (Japan)
Desmodium salicifolium (POIR.) DC
Pounded seeds are eaten as a steamed ball.
“Mtaroro” (Ngoni)
Leaves are pounded and used for eye ailments.
KOKWARO 1976: page 135.
Desmodium ramosissimum G.DON Woody herbaceous plant from tropical Africa.
[= Desmodium mauritanum (WILLD.) DC] Used as a green manure in some African plantations.
UPHOF 1968: p. 176.
Perennial herb from tropical Africa.
Used for dysentery, eye diseases and fever.
Also as an excitant in some parts of Africa.
UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. [=
Desmodium capitatum (Burm.f.) DC. = Desmodium
retroflexum (L.) DC. = Hedysarum capitatum Burm.f. =
Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa, Madagascar Meibomia capitata (Burm.f.) O.Kuntze = Nicolsonia
and La Reunion. styracifolia (Osb.) Desv.]
CAIUS 1989: page 42
Desmodium repandum (VAHL.) DC

[= Desmodium scalpe DC = Desmodium strangulatum Pinyin:
WIGHT & ARN. = Hedysarum repandum VAHL. = Meibomia
repanda (VAHL.) O.KUNTZE = Meibomia scalpe (DC.)
O.KUNTZE.] English: Coin-leaved desmodium
Decoction is used as diuretic, gall stones, relief (!?) of
“Kuluko la kuku” (Shambaa) gonorrhea, hepatitis and stones in urinary tract.
Leaf juice is given to infants for abdominal pains. DUKE & AYENSU (1985: Vol 1, page 323; citing NIH 1974
Roots are used for treating large sores.
KOKWARO 1976: page 135. Sold in Hong Kong and Taiwan as:
Chin-chien-tsao and
[as Desmodium scalpe DC.] Pien-ti-hsiang
Bamenda: “Mmerku mini” HSÜ et al. 1986
La Reunion: “Colle-colle”, “Fausse pistache marrone”
18
Known as: Desmodium tiliaefolium (G. DON)

Chin-ch’ien-ts’ao
Coin-leaved Desmodium “Another sought-after, alkaloid-rich, rare Desmodium
Herba Desmodii Styracifolii species. This is a very hardy plant, ours have been thriving
S.-Y. HU 1980 outdoors for several winters, going dormant during freezes.”
...otj 1995 catalog
“Tung Tsiu Se T’so”
“...medicine” (China) Desmodium tiliaefolium (USA)
VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973: #1772 Negative alkaloid screening
SMOLENSKI et al. 1972
Dried plant material, purchased, in 1994, as this plant,
from apothecaries in San Francisco’s Chinatown, did not Abrine in root
show the presence of any alkaloids that reacted with Hypaphorine in root and stem-leaf
Ehrlich’s reagents. Ghosal 1972a
Sold under the name of Herba Kam Tsin Tsao;
packaged by the Lam Hoi Trading Co., Flat G, 20/F, 85 Roots (from 2.3 kg. of dried material):
Connaught Rd., West, Hong Kong.] Tyramine (48 mg. of straw colored leaflets)
The Apotheker was given a xerox of a page from DUKE Hordenine (12 mg. of needles)
& AYENSU showing both the Chinese characters and a 3,4-Dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine (14 mg. of brown gum)
drawing of the plant. The plant material appeared to β-Hydroxy-N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine (28 mg
conform to the description for the species and cost $4 for of brown gum) (Thought by Ghosal to have never before been
a one pound package. The material was sold as a encountered in nature. See as Normacromerine in our work
on Phenethylamines (#C13). This is the only known occur-
treatment for “gravel”
rence of this alkaloid outside of the CACTACEAE.)
N,N-Dimethyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine (from 41 mg
of impure brown liquid; also recovered an additional 9 mg.)
Salsoline (32 mg. of straw colored microneedles)
Salsolidine (72 mg. as thick brown liquid)
Tryptamine (17 mg. of pale brown gum)
Abrine (N-Methyltryptophan) (13 mg)
Hypaphorine (68 mg. of needles)
Also has 4 quaternary β-phenethylamines and
They were familiar with both this species and also D. tetrahydroisoquinolines.
racemosum but insisted that neither is commonly used Also Choline (83 mg.)
anymore. They first attempted to substitute Albizia and Betaine (6 mg.)
julibrissin bark and Ophiopogon japonica tubers as a Stems have basically the same alkaloids but at low concentra-
“better” substitute for D. racemosum (They evidently tions.
assumed it was intended for use as a respiratory Leaves have mainly carboxylated tryptamines, only traces of
stimulant. Both plants are known to contain physiologi- phenethylamines
cally active substituted phenethylamines.) GHOSAL & SRIVASTAVA 1973b
[After much insistence, they finally sold me several
ounces of dried flowers and buds that they claimed to be “Desmodium tiliaefolium G. Don is found along the
D. racemosum but which did not conform to its Himalayan from the Upper Punjab to Tavoy, ascending up to
description nor even to that of a Desmodium. species. No 9,000 ft.
alkaloids were detected in whatever it was that they sold The root is used as a diuretic, and is prescribed in bilious
us. Plant parts were inadequate for determining the actual complaints.”
species.] Arabic: Sadkoofi
tlc 1994 by J. APPLESEED. Hindi: Chamkat, Chamra, Chamyat, Gurshagel, Laber,
Marara, Martan, Motha, Murt, Muss, Pri, Sambar, Shamru
Occurs in India ( in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Jaunsar: Martoi, Matoi
Meghalaya and Sikkim). Found also in Bangladesh, Kangra: Bre, Kathi
Burma, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Kumaon: Chamlai,
SANJAPPA 1991: page 162. Murri: Kalanchi
Persian: Mushkzamin
Punjab: Chamra, Chamyar, Dudshambar, Gurkats, Kalimort,
Kathi, Laber, Marara, Pirhi
Simla: Laber
Urdu: Nagarmotha
CAIUS 1984: p. 45
19
Desmodium tortuosum (SW.) DC Stems [Relative % of total alkaloid fraction]

[= Hedysarum purpureum MILL. = Hedysarum tortuosum (0.008% total alkaloids by dry weight):
SWARTZ. = Meibomia purpurea (MILL.) VAHL. = Meibomia β-phenethylamine [15%]
tortuosa (SWARTZ) O.KUNTZE.] Tyramine [7%]
Hordenine [Trace]
“Beggarweed” Indole-3-Acetic acid [Trace]
Perennial herb occurring in the tropics and subtropics. N,N-Dimethyltryptophan [Trace]
Used as manure in warm regions. DMT-N-oxide [3%]
UPHOF 1968: p. 177. S- (+)- N,N-Dimethyl-
tryptophan methyl ester [2%]
Native to tropical America. Now introduced and Trigonelline [4%]
naturalized in Old World tropics. In India: naturalized in S- (-)- Stachydrine [3%]
Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Choline 
Betaine  [62%]
Other bases 
Desmodium triflorum DC GHOSAL et al. 1972d
[= Hedysarum triflorum L. = Meibomia triflora (L.)
O.KUNTZE = Nicholsonia triflora (L.) GRISEB.] Roots (8.3 kg dry wt) (0.01% Total alkaloids):
% of total yield
Leaf β-phenethylamine 6% 68 mg
(total alkaloids 0.01-0.015% by dry weight): Tyramine 11% 97 mg
β-phenethylamine (major) Hordenine 3% 26 mg
Tyramine 3,4-Dihydroxy-phenethyl-trimethyl-ammonium cation (as
Indole-3-acetic acid hydroxide) 3% 28 mg
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan methyl ester Indole-3-Acetic acid Trace
Hypaphorine DMT-N-oxide 4% 41 mg
Hypaphorine methyl ester N,N-Dimethyl-tryptophan Trace
Trigonelline S- (+)- N,N-Dimethyl-
Choline tryptophan methyl ester 3% 25 mg
Betaine Hypaphorine methyl ester 2% 25 mg
GHOSAL et al. 1971c Hypaphorine (as HCl) 5% 37 mg
Trigonelline 1% 13 mg
Leaf [Relative % of total alkaloid fraction] S- (-)- Stachydrine 2% 21 mg
(0.01% total alkaloids by dry weight): Choline 
β-phenethylamine [17%] Betaine  58% 23 mg
Tyramine [9%] Other bases 
Hordenine [Trace] GHOSAL et al. 1972d
Indole-3-Acetic acid [12%]
DMT-N-oxide [Trace] Roots
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan [5%] (Total alkaloids 0.01-0.018% by dry weight):
S-(+)-N,N-Dimethyltryptophan Hypaphorine (major)
methyl ester [5%] N,N-Dimethyltryptophan
Hypaphorine [8%] DMT-N-oxide
Hypaphorine methyl ester [Trace] β-phenethylamine
Trigonelline [Trace] Unidentified quaternary β-phenethylamine
S- (-) - Stachydrine [2%] Betaine
Choline  Choline
Betaine  [39%] GHOSAL et al. 1971c
Other bases  Tryptamine in stem-leaf

GHOSAL et al. 1972d Hypaphorine in root and stem-leaf
GHOSAL 1972a
DMT-N-oxide in root
OTT 1994 cited GHOSAL et al. 1972d
20
Desmodium triflorum
Sweethearts, “Kolante”, “Cacoyer” - Dominica In Gold Coast it is recommended both as a laxative and as
Medicinal: Species of Desmodium are used in baths. a cure for dysentery.”
Common in waste grounds in the West Indies. Used medicinally in West Tropical Africa, and Mauritius.”
A small perennial weed with a prostrate habit. The Bengal: Kodalia, Kudaliya
leaves are obovate, trifoliate. The flowers are very small Bombay: Janglimer, Ranmethi
and red-mauve. The pods are 1 cm long and segmented Ceylon: Sirupullady
along the sides, usually 3-6 jointed. Guam: Agsom, Apo
HONEYCHURCH 1980 Gujerati: Jhinopanddhio
Hindi: Kudaliya
Used in the treatment of asthma and cough. La Reunion: Trefle noir
Also “offers protection against acetylcholine and Marathi: Ranmeti
histamine-aerosol-induced bronchospasms” Mauritius: Trefle des chasseurs, Outoupilli, Kodalia
ADDY & AWUMEY 1984 Mende: Koli-niki
Mundari: Jajaladbihir, Jajalad tasad
Also reported by GHOSAL et al. 1972d who recorded a 30 North-Western Provinces: Kudalig
minute onset and a four hour duration of activity. They Porebunder: Jhinkopanddhio
additionally found that the LD50 of the total alkaloid Sinhalese: Hinundupiya
fraction was 215.5 mg/ kg when given ip to mice. Tagalog: Pacpaclangao
Tegulu: Muntamandu, Munuddamoddu
Leaves used as galactagogue, for diarrhea, dysentery CAIUS 1989: pages 42, 45
and convulsions.
Roots for coughs, asthma and applied to wounds and “Khataldi”, “Kunnappalai”, “Pookarisa”, “Tinikoriamoni”
abscesses. Leaves are used medicinally for abscesses, diarrhea,
Common throughout plains of India and in the dysentery, diseases of the nails, eruptions, toothaches, and
Himalayas up to 7000 ft. wounds.
GHOSAL et al. 1972d Whole plant used for body aches and swellings.
Unspecified parts used for breast pain, colic, diarrhea,
Cosmopolitan tropics. mennorrhea, sores, spleen complaints, and whitlow.
French- Trèfle noir [Bourb.] Jain 1991: p. 72.
VAN WIJK 1911
“Marlomin”:
“Jaharipana” “Khataldi” (names used by Bhils in Boiled into tea which is used for rheumatism in Haiti.
Mount Abu area (border of Rajastan and Gujarat Said to be eaten greedily by stock in British Honduras.
states, in western India) Also said to be fodder plant in savannas of Colombia
Leaf paste used on wounds, eruptions and abscesses (called “Angelica”)
SEBASTIAN & BHANDARI 1984 Leaves are eaten as a vegetable in Burma.
In eastern Rajasthan:
Leaves are used as a remedy for diarrhea, dysentery Native to Old and New World tropics.
and applied to wounds and abscesses. Used in cases of dysentery.
SINGH & PANDEY 1980 Recommended as a green manure and cover-crop.
UPHOF 1968: p. 177.
“Desmodium triflorum DC. is common throughout
India: it is cosmopolitan in the tropics. In India: throughout plains up to 2500 meters in
The fresh leaves are applied to wounds and abscesses Kashmir. Also occurs in Africa, America, Australia,
that do not heal well. They are used internally as a Bhutan, Burma, China, Malesia, Pacific Islands, Pakistan,
galactagogue. Ryukyu, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.
A paste of the bruised leaves with kamala is applied to SANJAPPA 1991: page 163.
indolent sores and itch. In the mofussil, the fresh juice of
the plant is given to children for coughs.
In Ceylon, it is used in dysentery.
21
Desmodium triqetrum (L.) DC WEBB 1948: p. 84; cited BAILEY 1909

[= Hedysarum triquetrum L.]
Found in the Paleotropics. (In India, this species occurs in
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and possibly also in Gujarat).
Pinyin: hú lu chá
Uses: Plant: Applied to abscesses; a tonic for dyspepsia,
hemorrhoids, infantile spasms; insecticide, vermicide.
Chem.: Leaves contain potassium oxide, silicic acid, tannin.
Notes: Burmese use the plant to treat worms. Indone- Desmodium velutinum (WILLD.) DC
sians use the leaves externally for lumbago and internally [= Desmodium latifolium DC. = Desmodium plukenetti (WIGHT
for gravel. & ARN.) MERR. & CHUN = Desmodium virgatum Zoll. et MOR. ex
DUKE & AYENSU 1985: vol. 1 page 324; cited PERRY 1980 PRAIN = Hedysarum latifolium ROXB. = Hedysarum velutinum
WILLD.. = Meibomia velutina (WILLD.) O.KUNTZE.]
Desmodium triqetrum =(Pteroloma triquetrum)
Hu-lu-ch’a; Bottle-gourd Tea; Herba Desmodii Triquetri Said to be poisonous. (Sierra Leone)
HU et al. 1980 VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973: #1777
“Pak Lo Sit”: “...used as medicine.” (China) “Latakari”

“Laught thay”: “...used to kill the warm.” (Burma) Dried shoots are used for brooms
Used as a ‘remedy’ [heilmittel] in N. Sumatra. JAIN 1991: p. 72.
VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973: #1773
Common names: “Chitkiboota”, “Latkan”
“Adakkachokki”, “Salparni” [Ed. last common name also CCRAS 1990: page 63
used for D. gangeticum.] Occurs throughout India (up to 1350 meters in the
Leaf is used for abdominal pains, coughs, and colds. Himalayas). Found also in Africa (tropical), Bhutan, Burma,
Whole plant is given for fevers. China, Laos, Madagascar, Malesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
Root is used to treat snakebite. Thailand and Vietnam.
JAIN 1991: p. 72. SANJAPPA 1991: page 165.
Occurs in India ( in Andaman, Bihar, Karnataka,

Meghalaya, the Nicobar Islands, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil
Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh). Found also in Australia, Bhutan, Desmodium spp. not identified
Burma, China, Indo-China, Malaysia, New Caledonia,
Pacific Islands, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Unidentified species known as “Ya-dab-kamlang-phra” in
SANJAPPA 1991: page 163-164. Siam.
“Medicinal root used as neurotic.”
Desmodium umbellatum (L.) DC

Unidentified species known as “Llina caiba” by Cuna and
[= Desmodium australe (WILLD.) DC = Desmodium
“Pega-pega” by Panamanian Spanish speakers.
grandifolium DC. = Hedysarum arboreum ROXB. =
Macerated fruits are given to induce reciprocal affection in
Hedysarum australe WILLD. = Hedysarum umbellatum L.]
a desired lover in Ailigandi. [see similar usage under
Desmodium adscendens.]
“Par-po”:
DUKE & VASQUEZ MARTINEZ 1986: page 75.
Young tips chewed with betel nut and put in mouth of
sick babies. (Solomon Islands)
Unidentified species known as “Zángò-dá-mà.pìndì”
“Sauthava”:
“Pour résorber une HERNIE SCROTALE, les Aka font des
Leaves are eaten as remedy for scaly skin resulting from
scarifications au niveau des testicules. Ils pilent quelques
too heavy of usage of “yanjona” [Kava kava]
feuilles qu’ils font réchauffer quelques instants sur le feu et
(Serua in Fiji Islands)
les appliquent sur les scarifications. Une grande feuille
permet de les maintenir en place et sert en même temps de
bandage hernaire.”
“Damie”
Elizabeth MOTTE 1980: page 376.
Leaf used medicinally for fevers
Fruit is eaten as food.
JAIN 1991: p. 72.
Footnotes
Wood is used for fuel in Taiwan.
1
This value is derived from combining the figures for roots and
ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: page 229.
above ground parts.
“Supposed by some to cause “Chillagoe disease” of

horses.”
22
Alkaloid Summary dried roots.) [5]
Hordenine
for the genus Desmodium Desmodium cephalotes
Compiled and edited by K. Trout Major alkaloid in stem-roots (120 mg. from 3.2 kg of
©1997 Trout and Friends
[Note: “Whole Plant” indicates only that the analyzed extract
dried plant material.) [7]
was prepared from the whole plant. It does not necessarily Desmodium gangeticum ,
imply that the alkaloid in question occurs in the whole plant.] Roots (Amount not given.) [6] (Major base. Amount
All discrepancies from Ghosal and coworkers have been left not given.) [17]
intact.
Roots [~ 0.051% by dry weight; 0.82 gm.+ from 1.6 kg.
of dried roots.] [5]
Phenethylamines:
β-Phenethylamine
Desmodium tiliaefolium
Desmodium cephalotes
Roots (12 mg. from 2.3 kg. - dry weight) (also present in
In stem-roots (24 mg. from 3.2 kg) [7]
stems in lower concentrations?) [11]
Major alkaloid in leaf (Low concentration.) [7]
Desmodium triflorum
Leaf [Trace] [16]
Roots (Amount not given.) [6, 17] (0.28 gm. from 1.6 kg
Stems [Trace] [16]
of dried roots.) [5]
Roots [3% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {26 mg.from
Desmodium gyrans
8.3 kg of dry material} [16]
Leaves (0.0055% by dry weight; 0.11 gm. from 2 kg of
Candicine
dry leaves) [14]
Desmodium triflorum
Stem-Roots (46 mg. from 3.2 kg dry weight) [7]
Leaf [~ 0.002% by dry weight; 17% of 0.01% total
alkaloids] [16]
Roots. (0.55 gm. of impure from 1.6 kg of dried roots.)
Stems [~ 0.001% by dry weight; 15% of 0.008% total
[5] [Said by [17] to have been the first reported
alkaloids] [16]
isolation of this compound from the Leguminosae.] [17]
Roots [< 0.002% by dry weight; 6% of 0.01% Total
Roots (Amount not given.) [6, 12]
alkaloids] {68 mg. from 8.3 kg of dry roots} [16]
3,4-Dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine
Major alkaloid in Leaf / Minor in roots. (Amounts not
given) [13]
Α β-Hydroxyphenethylamine [Not identified.]
β-Hydroxy-N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine
Roots (New alkaloid. Amounts not given.) [Unidentified
[= Normacromerine]
in this paper. Probably is the same compound as the β-
ketophenethylamine mentioned in Ghosal and
Roots (Amount not given. 28 mg of impure gum from
Bhattacharya (1972).] [5]
2.3 kg of dry roots.) (in stems in lower concentrations?)
N,N-Dimethyl-β β-keto-phenethylamine
[11]
N,N-Dimethyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine
Roots (Previously unreported) [6]
Tyramine
Roots (Amount not given. 41 mg of impure liquid from
2.3 kg. of dry roots plus an additional 9 mg of alkaloid.)
In stem-roots: 87 mg from 3.2 kg dried material. [7]
(also present in stems in lower concentrations?) [11]
Minor alkaloid in leaf. [7]
3,4-Dihydroxy-phenethyl-trimethyl-ammonium cation
(as hydroxide)
Desmodium triflorum
Roots [3% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {28 mg.from 8.3 kg}
Desmodium triflorum
(dry weight) [16]
Leaf. Minor. (Amount not given) [13] [9% of 0.01%
total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16]
Tetrahydroisoquinolines:
Stems [7% of 0.008% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16]
Salsolidine
Roots [11% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {97 mg.from
8.3 kg} (dry weight) [16]
Traces in leaf. [7]
N-Methyltyramine
Stem-Roots (28 mg. from 3.2 kg dry weight) [(±)
salsolidine] [7]
Roots (Amount not given.) [6, 17]
Roots (~ 0.031% by dry weight; 0.5 gm. from 1.6 kg. of
23
stems in lower concentrations?) [11] Desmodium triflorum

Salsoline Leaf [8% of 0.01% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16]
Desmodium tiliaefolium Minor in leaf. (amount not given) [13]
Roots (32 mg. from 2.3 kg. - dry weight) (also present in Stem [2% of 0.008% total alkaloids [16]
stems in lower concentrations?) [11] Roots [5% of 0.01% total alkaloids] {37 mg.from 8.3 kg
as HCl} (dry weight) [16]
Indoles other than tryptamines Root and stem-leaf (Amount not given) [4]
(including tryptophans): Major in roots. (amount not given) [13]
Indole-3-acetic acid Hypaphorine methyl ester
Desmodium triflorum Desmodium triflorum
Leaf [12% of 0.01% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16] Leaf. (Minor. Amount not given) [13] [Trace] [16]
(Minor alkaloid) [13] Stems [Trace] [16]
Stems [Trace] [16] Roots [2% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {25 mg.from 8.3
Roots [Trace] [16] kg} (dry weight) [16]
Gramine
Desmodium pulchellum Tryptamines:
Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [9] (Amount not given) Tryptamine
[10] Desmodium tiliaefolium
Stem and Leaf of young seedlings. [2% of 0.12% Total Roots (17 mg. from 2.3 kg. - dry weight) (also present in
alkaloid] {~ 0.002% by dry weight} [15] stems in lower concentrations?) [11]
Stem and leaf of mature plant [7% of 1.4% Total Desmodium triflorum
alkaloid] {0.098% by dry weight} [15] Stem-leaf (amount not given) [4]
Stem-leaf (Amounts not given) [4] N-Methyltryptamine
Not yet reported from any Desmodium species in spite
Abrine (N-Methyltryptophan) of 5-Hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, 5-Methoxy-N-
Desmodium tiliaefolium methyltryptamine and N-Methyltryptophan (Abrine) all
Roots (13 mg from 2.3 kg. - dry weight) (also present in having been found as bio-synthetic products within
stems in lower concentrations?) [11] the genus.
Root (Amount not given) [4] N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan Desmodium caudatum
Desmodium triflorum Major alkaloid in roots [0.087% by dry weight. Ed.:
Leaf [5% of 0.01% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16] Procedure likely resulted in some loss.] [21]
Stems [Trace] [16] Minor alkaloid in stem [0.004% dry wt.] [21]
Roots [Trace] [16] [Amount not given] [13] Desmodium gangeticum
S- (+) N,N-Dimethyltryptophan methyl ester Aerial parts [ ? gm. of thick oil + 0.41 gm (latter as
Desmodium triflorum chloroform soluble acetate) obtained from 1 kg of fresh
Leaf [5% of 0.01% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16] wet material.] [3]
(Minor. Amount not given) [13] Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [4, 6]
Stems [2% of 0.008% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16] Roots (Amount not given) [4, 6] [0.38 gm. from 1.6 kg.
Roots [3% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {25 mg. of dried roots. i.e. 0.02% DMT] [5]
from 8.3 kg.} (dry weight) [16] Seeds [6]
Hypaphorine (N,N-Dimethyltryptophan metho cation) Fruit [4]
Desmodium floribundum Desmodium gyrans
Root and stem-leaf. (Amount not given.) [4] [Primary Leaves (82 mg. from 2 kg of dry) [14]
source for this analysis is the Ph.D Thesis of Rakesh Roots (Minor alkaloid.) [14]
Mehta (1973) from Banaras Hindu University.] Desmodium pulchellum
Desmodium gangeticum Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [8] (Mention.) [9]
Roots (Amount not given.) [4, 5, 12, 17] (Amount not given) [10]
Desmodium gyrans Stem and leaf of young seedling [~ 0.074% by dry
Roots [4] weight; 62% of 0.12% Total alkaloid] [15]
Roots (0.24% by dry weight; 1.2 gm. from 0.5 kg. of dry Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.294% by dry weight;
roots) [14] 21% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15]
Desmodium tiliaefolium Root of young seedling [~ O.27% dry weight; 73% of
Roots (68 mg. from 2.3 kg. - dry weight) (also present in 0.37% Total alkaloid] [15] [i.e. 27 mg. in 10 gm. of dried
stems in lower concentrations?) [11] material]
Root and stem-leaf (Amount not given) [4]
24
Desmodium alkaloid summary
Root of mature plant [0.451% by dry weight; 41% of 4% of 1.4% total alkaloid.] [15]
1.1% Total alkaloid] [Also, in same paper: 1.8 kg dried Root of young seedling [~ 0.022% by dry weight; 6%
roots yielded 0.7 gm + 0.09 gm; i.e. 0.043%.] [15] of 0.37% Total alkaloid] [15]
Fruit (green) of mature plant [12% of 0.01% Total Root of mature plant [0.077% by dry weight; 7% of
alkaloid] {~ 0.001% by dry weight} [15] 1.1% Total alkaloid] [15]
Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [4% of 0.02% Total Root (Amount not given) [4]
alkaloid] {~ 0.001% by dry weight} [15] Bufotenine
Root, stem-leaf and fruit (Amounts not given) [4] Desmodium caudatum
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide Major alkaloid in stem (0.04% by dry weight.) [21]
Desmodium gangeticum Desmodium gyrans
Aerial parts [0.21 gm. + 0.12 gm. (latter as chloroform Leaf (68 mg. from 2 kg. of dry leaves.) [14]
soluble acetate) from 1 kg. of fresh wet material.] [3] Desmodium pulchellum
Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [4, 6, 13] Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [8] (Mention.) [9]
Roots (Amount not given.) [6, 17] (0.12 gm. + 0.02 gm. (Amount not given) [10]
from 1.6 kg. of dried roots.) [5] Stem and leaf of young seedling [~ 0.011% by dry
Fruit [4] weight; 9% of 0.12% Total alkaloid] [15]
Seeds [6, 12] Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.112% by dry weight;
Desmodium gyrans 8% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15]
Leaves (0.18+ gm. from 2 kg) [14] Root of mature plant. {Trace} [15]
Stem / leaf [12] Root and stem-leaf (Amount not given) [4]
Roots. Minor alkaloid. Amount not given. [14] Bufotenine-N-oxide
Desmodium pulchellum Desmodium caudatum
Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [8] (Mention.) [9] Minor alkaloid in roots. [0.03%] [21]
(Amount not given) [10] Minor alkaloid in stem. [0.004%] [21]
Stem and leaf of young seedling [0.023% by dry Desmodium pulchellum
weight; 19% of 0.12% Total alkaloid] [15] Stem and leaf of mature plant. {Trace} [15]
Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.070% by dry weight; Root of mature plant. {Trace} [15]
5% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15] 5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine
Root of young seedling [~ 0.011% by dry weight; 3% Desmodium gyrans
of 0.37% Total alkaloid] [15] Leaf (97 mg. from 2 kg. of dried leaves) [14]
Root of mature plant [0.121% by dry weight; 11% of Desmodium pulchellum
1.1% Total alkaloid] [Also, in same paper: 1.8 kg of Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [8] (Amount not given)
dried roots yielded 0.18 gm + 0.042 gm; i.e. 0.012%.] [9]
[15] Stem-leaf (Amounts not given) [4]
Fruit (green) of mature plant [~ 0.007% by dry weight; Stem and leaf of young seedling [~ 0.010% by dry
72% of 0.01% Total alkaloid] [15] weight; 8% of 0.12% Total alkaloid] [15]
Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [Trace] [15] Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.154% by dry weight;
Root, Stem-leaf and Seeds [12] 11% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15]
Root, stem-leaf and fruit (Amounts not given) [4] Root of young seedling. [Trace] [15]
Desmodium triflorum Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [~ 0.002% by dry weight;
Leaf [trace] [16] 8% of 0.02% Total alkaloid] [15]
Stems [3% of 0.008% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16] 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Roots [4% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {41 mg.from 8.3 Desmodium gangeticum
kg} (dry weight) [16] Aerial parts (0.057% by wet weight; 0.57 gm. from 1 kg.
Minor in roots. (amount not given) [13] of fresh wet material.) [3]
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine metho cation Stem-leaf [4]
Desmodium pulchellum Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [6]
Root and stem-leaf (Amounts not given) [4] Desmodium gyrans
Root of young seedling [~ 0.041% by dry weight; 11% Leaves (35+ mg. from 2 kg) [14]
of 0.37% Total alkaloid] [15] In stem/ leaves [4]
Root of mature plant [0.154% by dry weight; 14% of Roots [4]
1.1% Total alkaloid] [Also, in same paper: 1.8 kg of Desmodium pulchellum
dried root yielded 0.43 gm; i.e. 0.24%.] [15] Whole plant (0.2-0.25% by dry weight.) [8] (Major
5-Hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine alkaloid) [9] (Amount not given. Plates crystallized
Desmodium pulchellum from 8.36 grams of impure chromatographic fraction
Stem and leaf of mature plant. [0.056% by dry weight; residue; from 4 kg of dried whole plant.) [10]
25
Stem and leaf of young seedling [Trace.] [15] Nb-Methyl-β-carbolinium cation [= 2-Methyl-β-
Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.476% by dry weight; carbolinium cation]
34% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15] Desmodium pulchellum
Root of mature plant [0.132% by dry weight; 12% of Fruit (green) of mature plant [< 0.001% by dry weight;
1.1% Total alkaloid] [Also, in same paper; 1.8 kg. of 8% of 0.01% Total alkaloid] [15]
dried roots yielded 0.23 gm; i.e. ~ 0.013% by dry Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [~ 0.003% by dry weight;
weight.] [15] 13% of 0.02% Total alkaloid] [15]
Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [0.002% by dry weight; 6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-β-carboline
10% of 0.02% Total alkaloid] [15] Desmodium pulchellum
Root, stem-leaf and flower (Amounts not given) [4] Stem-leaf (Amounts not given) [4]
Desmodium racemosum 6-Methoxy-tetrahydroharman [= 6-Methoxy-1-
Whole plant. (Amount not given) [18] methyl-H4-β-carboline]
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide Desmodium pulchellum
Desmodium gangeticum Root and seed (Amounts not given) [4]
Aerial parts [0.18 gm. from 1 kg of fresh wet material] 6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-H4-β-carboline [= 6-Methoxy-2-
[3] methyl-H4-β-carboline]
Stem-leaf [4] Desmodium gangeticum
Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [6] Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) (Previously unreported in
Desmodium gyrans nature) [6]
Leaves (trace) [14] Desmodium pulchellum
Desmodium pulchellum Stem and leaf of mature plant [2% of 1.4% Total
Whole plant (Minor alkaloid) [First reported occur- alkaloid] {0.028% by dry weight} [15]
rence of this alkaloid.] [9] (Minor alkaloid) [17 mg. as Root of young seedling [7% of 0.37% Total alkaloid {~
an impure violet oil, contaminated with gramine, was 0.026% by dry weight} [15]
obtained from 4 kg. of dried whole plant.] [10] Root of mature plant [9% of 1.1% Total alkaloid]
Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.070% by dry weight; {0.099% by dry weight} [15]
5% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15] Seeds (ripe) [3% of 0.02% total alkaloids.] {~ 0.001%
Stem-leaf (Amounts not given) [4, 17] by dry weight} [15]
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine metho cation 6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-β β-carbolinium cation [= 6-
Desmodium pulchellum Methoxy-2-methyl-β-carbolinium cation.]
Root of mature plant [0.066% by dry weight; 6% of Desmodium gangeticum
1.1% Total alkaloid] [15] Fresh aerial parts (0.07 gm. from 1 kg.) (Purified; 0.04
gm.) [3]
β-Carbolines: Stem-leaf (Amount not given.) [4]
As has been noted by Allen and Holmstedt (1980) [2], all Seeds [12]
identifications of β-carbolines, especially with regards Desmodium pulchellum
to degree of saturation, should be regarded with Seeds [12]
caution due to similar properties and relative ease of 6-Methoxy-1-methyl-Nb-methyl-β-carboline [= 6-
interconversion. The below are given as reported. Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-β-carboline]
Αββ-carboline [Not identified.] Desmodium pulchellum
Desmodium gangeticum Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [26% of 0.02% Total
Seeds. [6] alkaloid] {~ 0.005% by dry weight} [15]
Harman [= 1-Methyl-β β-carboline] 6-Methoxy-1-methyl-Nb-methyl-β-carbolinium cation [=
Desmodium pulchellum 6-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-β-carbolinium cation]
Fruit and seed (Amount not given) [4] Desmodium pulchellum
Leptocladine [= Nb-Methyl-H4-harman = 2-Methyl-H4- Root of young seedling {Trace} [15]
harman = 1,2-Dimethyl-H4-β-carboline] Fruit (green) of mature plant [2% of 0.01% Total
Desmodium gangeticum alkaloid] {< 0.001% by dry weight} [15]
Aerial parts (0.03 gm. from 1 kg. of fresh wet material) Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [8% of 0.02% Total
[3] alkaloid] {~ 0.002% by dry weight} [15]
Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [6]
Stem-leaf (Amount not given.) [4] Unidentified alkaloids reported:
Desmodium gyrans Unidentified β-phenethylamines
Stem/ leaves (Amount not given.) [4] Desmodium gangeticum
Desmodium pulchellum Roots. 0.18 gm. from 1.6 kg [5]
Seed (Amount not given) [4] Desmodium gyrans
26
Desmodium alkaloid summary
Roots traces [14] Desmodium gangeticum
Unidentified quaternary β-phenethylamine Root (Amount not given.) [5, 12]
Desmodium triflorum Desmodium gyrans
Minor in roots. (amount not given) [13] Leaf (92 mg from 8.3 kg. dry roots.) [14]
Four quaternary β-phenethylamines and Roots. (0.4 gm. from 0.5 kg) [14]
tetrahydroisoquinolines. Desmodium tiliaefolium
Desmodium tiliaefolium Roots (83 mg. from 2.3 kg. of dried roots.) (also
Roots (Amount not given) [11] present in stems in lower concentrations) [11]
Uncharacterized indole-3-alkylamines Desmodium triflorum
Desmodium gyrans Leaf [16]
Leaves (27 mg.from 2 kg) [14] Stems [16]
Roots 2 Minor alkaloids. [14] Roots [23 mg from 8.3 kg. of dry roots] [16]
Unidentified indole bases Minor in Leaf and Roots. (Amounts not given) [13]
Desmodium gangeticum S- (-) - Stachydrine
Seeds [6] Desmodium triflorum
Unidentified quaternary indole bases Leaf [2% of 0.01% total alkaloids] (dry weight) [16]
Desmodium gangeticum Stems [3% of 0.008% total alkaloids] (dry weight)
Green Plant (Stem and Leaf) [6] [16]
Unidentified β-carboline Roots [2% of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {21 mg.from 8.3
Desmodium gangeticum kg} (dry weight) [16]
Seeds [6] Trigonelline
Desmodium gyrans Desmodium triflorum
Leaves (26 mg. from 2 kg) [14] Leaf Minor. (Amount not given) [13] [ Trace] [16]
Unidentified bases Stems [4% of 0.008% total alkaloids] (dry weight)
Desmodium gangeticum [16]
Water soluble unidentified bases. Unspecified plant Roots [1%of 0.01% Total alkaloids] {13
parts. [12] mg.from 8.3 kg} (dry weight) [16]
Desmodium pulchellum
Stem and leaf of mature plant [0.042% by dry weight;
3% of 1.4% Total alkaloid] [15]
Root of young seedling also mature plant [Traces in
both] [15]
Fruit (green) of mature plant [< 0.001% by dry
weight; 6% of 0.01% Total alkaloid] [15]
Seeds (ripe) of mature plant [~ 0.006% by dry weight;
28% of 0.02% Total alkaloid] [15]
Desmodium triflorum
Leaf, Stems, Roots [16]
Unidentified quaternary base
Root (22 mg. from 3.2 kg) [7]
Other simple bases:

Betaine
Roots (6 mg. from 2.3 kg.) (also present in stems in
lower concentrations) [11]
Desmodium triflorum
Leaf [16]
Stems [16]
Roots [16]
Minor in Root and Leaf. (Amounts not given) [13]
Choline
Stem-Roots (57 mg. from 3.2 kg) [7]
27
Desmodium chemistry
A couple of Nonalkaloidal Substances and some 1. ALLEN & ALLEN 1981: p. 229,
Phospholipids: citing AVASTHI & TEWARI 1955a & 1955b
Glycoside (New - the 1-Glucosylrhamnoside of 2. Allen & Holmstedt 1980
physicion) 3. Banerjee & Ghosal 1969
Desmodium pulchellum 4. Ghosal 1972a Planta Medica 21 (2): 200-209.
Identified in seeds. [19] 5. Ghosal & Banerjee 1969
A Lactone (C16H30O2) 6. Ghosal & Bhattacharya 1972
Desmodium gangeticum 7. Ghosal & Mehta 1974
Roots. [1] 8. Ghosal & Mukherjee 1964
Phosphatidyl ethanolamine 9. Ghosal & Mukherjee 1965
Desmodium gangeticum 10. Ghosal & Mukherjee 1966
Seeds [20] 11. Ghosal & Srivastava 1973b
Phosphatidyl inositol 12. Ghosal et al. 1970b
Desmodium gangeticum 13. Ghosal et al. 1971c
Seeds [20] 14. Ghosal et al. 1972a
Phosphatidyl serine 15. Ghosal et al. 1972c
Desmodium gangeticum 16. Ghosal et al. 1972d
Seeds [20] 17. Ghosal et al. 1972e
Sphingomyelin 18. Hsü et al. 1982
Desmodium gangeticum 19. ICMR 1976 p. 347, citing TIWARI & BANSAL 1971
Seeds [20] 20. Rastogi et al. 1971
21. Ueno et al. 1978
28
References Duke, James Alan & Ayensu, Edward S. (1985) “Medicinal

[All second hand references are indicated.] Plants of China. Volume One.” Reference Publications,
Addy, M.E. & Awumey, E.M.K. (1984) Journal of Inc. 1985. ISBN 0-917256-26-3. 362 pages.
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Allen, Oscar Nelson & Allen, Ethyl Kullman (1981) “The Medicinal Plants.” [Shibnath Ghosal]
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Nodulation.” The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison 30: 280. “Indole alkaloids of Desmodium gangeticum
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Allen, James R.F. & Holmstedt, Bo (1980) Phytochemistry Ghosal, S. & Banerjee, P.K. (1969) Australian Journal of
19: 1573-1582. “Review. The Simple β-Carboline Chemistry 22: 2029-2031. “Alkaloids of the Roots of
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American Pharmaceutical Association. 44: 625-627. “A (4): 434-440. “Desmodium alkaloids part II. Chemical and
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Avasthi, B.K. & Tewari, J.D. (1955)b Journal of the 1629. “β-Phenethylamine and tetrahydroisoquinoline
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Ayensu, Edward S. (1978) “Medicinal Plants of West 1800. “Alkaloids of Desmodium pulchellum Benth. ex
Africa.” Reference Publications. ISBN 0-917256-07-7. 330 Baker”
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Banerjee, P.K. & Ghosal, S. (1969) Australian Journal of pulchellum Benth ex Baker.”
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Desmodium gangeticum (Leguminosae).” Chemistry 31: 2284-2288. “Indole-3-alkylamine Bases Of
Bhattacharya, S.K. & Sanyal, A.K. (1969) Nagarajun 13, 19 Desmodium Pulchellum.”
“Curariform activity of some Indian Medicinal Plants.” Ghosal, S. & Srivastava, R.S. (1973)b Phytochemistry 12:
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Caius, Fr. Jean Ferdinand (1989) “The Medicinal and Indole Alkaloids of Desmodium tiliaefolium.”
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POBox 91, JODHPUR -342 001. ISBN 81-85046-74-3. General Method for the Isolation of Naturally Occurring
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CCRAS (1990) “Glimpses of Medico-Botany of Bastar Banerjee]
District (M.P.).” Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Ghosal, S. et al. (1971)c Phytochemistry 10: 3312-3313.
and Siddha. (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, “Alkaloids of Desmodium triflorum.” [S. Ghosal, R.S.
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Culvenor, C.C.J. (1973) “Alkaloids.” pp. 375-446 (Chapter Ghosal, S. et al. (1972)a Phytochemistry 11: 1863-1864.
8), in: G.W. Butler and R.W. Bailey (eds.) “Chemistry and “Indole bases of Desmodium gyrans.” [S. Ghosal, U.K.
Biochemistry of Herbage.” Volume One. Academic Press, Mazumder and R. Mehta]
London and New York 1973. ISBN 0-12-148101-8. 639 Ghosal, S. et al. (1972)b Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
pages. 61: 808-810. “Naturally Occurring and Synthetic β-
Dey, Kanny Lall (1986) “The Indigenous Drugs of India: Carbolines as Cholinesterase Inhibitors.” [S. Ghosal, S.K.
Short Descriptive Notices of The Principal Medicinal Bhattacharya and R. Mehta.]
Products Met With in British India.” Second Edition. Ghosal, S. et al. (1972)c Planta Medica 21 (4): 398-409. “
International Book Distributors. 387 pages. Second edition Chemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Desmodium
is a “Revised and Entirely Re-written” version of a work pulchellum.” [S. Ghosal, S.K. Banerjee, S.K. Bhattacharya
originally published in 1896 by Thacker, Spink and Co.: and A.K. Sanyal]
Calcutta and London. Ghosal, S. et al. (1972)d Planta Medica 23 (4): 321-329.
Duke, James Alan (1981) “Handbook of Legumes of World “Desmodium Alkaloids. IV. Chemical and Pharmacological
Economic Importance.” Plenum Press, New York 1981. Evaluation of D. triflorum.” [S. Ghosal, R.S. Srivastava,
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Duke, James Alan (1994) “Amazonian Ethnobotanical Ghosal et al* (1972)e “Alkaloids of Desmodium gangeticum
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29
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clarification of this matter.] adscendens on central nervous system in rodents.” (P.
Hsü, Hong-Yen et al. (1982) “The Chemical Constituents of N’gouemo, M. Baldy-Moulinier & C. Nguemby-Bina)
Oriental Herbs” (says “The Chemical Constituents of Oliver-Bever, B. (1983) Journal of Ethnopharmacology 7:
Oriental Drugs” on the spine) Oriental Healing Arts 1-93. “Medicinal Plants in Tropical West Africa. II.
Institute 1982. ISBN# 9-941942-11-2. [Hong-Yen Hsü, Plants Acting On the Nervous System.” Cambridge
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Hsü, Hong-Yen et al. (1986) “Oriental Materia Medica: A Ott, Jonathan (1993) “Pharmacotheon.” Natural Products
Concise Guide.” Co.: Kennewik, WA. ISBN 0-9614234-2-0 (Limited
The above two works are nice compilations of chemistry Hardcover) / 0-9614234-2-0 (paperback). 639 pages.
and pharmacology for the Chinese herbs presented in a Ott, Jonathan (1994) “Ayahuasca Analogs.” Natural
format that can be readily understood by laypeople. See Products Co.: Kennewik, WA. ISBN 0-9614234-4-7
also other works by Hsü. (Hardcover) / 0-9614234-5-5 (paperback). 127 pages.
Hu, Shiu-ying (1980) “An Enumeration of Chinese Materia Perry, L.M. (1980) “Medicinal Plants of East and South-
Medica.” The Chinese University Press, Hong Kong East Asia.” MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. 620 pp.
ICMR [Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi] Prasad, S. & Ansari, M.S. (1966-1967) Journal of Scientific
(1987) “Medicinal Plants of India.” Volume 1. Research. Banaras Hindu University 17: 130. “Pharma-
Jain, S.K. (1991) “Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine & cognostical studies on Desmodium gangeticum DC.”
Ethnobotany.” Deep Publications. ISBN 81-85622-0-0. [Not available to us.]
311 pages. Prema, P. (1968) M.D. Thesis, University of Kerala
Jammu-Tawi (1982) “Cultivation and Utilization of Trivandrum, India. “Pharmacological studies of
Medicinal Plants.” [Edited by C.K. Atal and B.M. Desmodium gangeticum DC.” [ILS was unable to obtain
Kapur] Regional Research Laboratory. Council of any response to their requests concerning this item.]
Scientific and Industrial Research, Jammu-Tawi. 877 Rastogi, S.C. et al. (1971) Planta Medica 20: 131-132.
pages. “Phospholipids from seeds of Desmodium gangeticum.”
Johns et al. (1966)b Australian Journal of Chemistry 19: [S.C. Rastogi, G.D. Tiwari, K.S. Srivastava & R.D.
1539-1540. “Alkaloids of the Australian Leguminosae. Tiwari]
VII. Nb-Methyltetrahydroharman from Acacia Sanjappa, M. (1992) “Legumes of India.” Bishen Singh
complanata A. Cunn. ex Benth.” [S.R.Johns, Mahendra Pal Singh: Dehra Dun 1992. ISBN 81-211-
J.A.Lamberton & A.A.Sioumis] 0065-8. 338 pages.
Kokwaro, J.O. (1976) “Medicinal Plants of East Africa.” Sebastian, M.K. & Bhandari, M.M. (1984) Journal of
East African Literature Bureau. 384 pages Ethnopharmacology 12 (2): 223-230. “Medico-ethno
León & Alain (1951) “Flora de Cuba. Dicotiledoneas: Botany of Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.”
Casaurinaceae a Melioceae, 2.” Havana: Contrib. Ocas. Singh, V. & Pandey, R.P. (1980) Journal of Economic and
Mus. Hist. Nat. Col. Salle 10. 456 pages. Taxonomic Botany 1: 137-147. “Medicinal Plant-Lore of
Mehra, P.N. & Raina, M.K. (1969) Indian Journal of the Tribals of Eastern Rajasthan (India).”
Pharm. 31: 171. “Pharmacognostical studies of the roots Smolenski, S.J. et al. (1972) Lloydia 35 (1): 1-34. “Alka-
of Desmodium gangeticum DC.” [Unable to obtain copy.] loid Screening. I.” [S.J. Smolenski, H. Silinis & N.R.
Mehta, R. (1973) PhD Thesis, Banaras Hindu University. Farnsworth]
[Unable to obtain copy.] Stubbendieck, James and Conrad, Elverne C. (1989)
Mills, P.F. (1968) Rhodes Agricultural Journal 65: 59( - ?). “Common Legumes of the Great Plains. An Illustrated
“Kuru Vine (Desmodium intortum).” [ILS provided us Guide.” University of Nebraska Press; Lincoln &
with the first page only.] London. ISBN 0-8032-4204-2. 330 pages.
Motte, Elizabeth (1980) “Les Plantes Chez Les Pygmées Sudhakar, S. & Rao, Rolla S. (1985) Journal of Economic
Aka et Les Monzombo (Centrafrique)” Société D’Études and Taxonomic Botany 7 (2): 399-406. “Medicinal Plants
Linguistiques et Anthropologiques de France, 80-81-82,
30
of Upper East Godavari District (Andhra Pradesh) and

Need for Establishment of Medicinal Farm.”
Tarafder, C.R. (1983) Journal of Economic and Taxonomic
Botany 4 (2): 483-489. “Ethnogynaecology in Relation
to Plants. Part-I. Plants Used for Antifertility and
Conception.”
Ueno, A. et al. (1978) Chemical and Pharmaceutical
Bulletin 26(8): 2411-2416. “Studies on the Constituents
of Desmodium caudatum DC.” [Akira Ueno, Yukinobu
Ikeya, Seigo Fukushima, Tadataka Noro, Kunio
Morinaga & Harumitsu Kuwano]
Uphof, Johannes Cornelius Theodore (1968) “Dictionary
of Economic Plants.” Second Edition, enlarged. Verlag
Von J. Cramer. 591 pages.
Van Wijk, H.L. Gerth (1911) “A Dictionary of Plant
Names.” The Hague/ Martinus Nijhoff.
von Reis Altschul, Siri (1973) “Drugs and Foods from
Little-Known Plants. Notes in Harvard University
Herbaria.” Harvard University Press. SBN 674-21676-8.
Webb, L.J. (1948) “Guide to the Medicinal and Poisonous
Plants of Queensland.” Australian C.R.I.S.O. Bulletin No.
232. 202 pp.
A Desmodium species (D. incanum?) found growing on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii
31
Desmodium repandum 18 Desmodium adscendens 7

Index
Desmodium spp. (not identified) Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
22 Desmodium gyrans 13
Symbols Desmodium triflorum 21
Desmodium triqetrum 22
1-Glucosylrhamnoside of Aberodefe 12, 14 Astringent
physicion 28 Abortifacient Desmodium gangeticum 12
1-Methyl-b-carboline 26 Desmodium microphyllum 15 Aswenna 12
1,2-Dimethyl-H4-b-carboline 26 Abrine 24 Atiguha 11
2-Methyl-b-carbolinium cation Acoumengate 7 Atiruha 11
26 Adakkachokki 22 Atis-aniti 12
2-Methyl-H4-harman 26 Adiviyantinta 14
Aeschinomene gangetica 9
B
3,4-Dihydroxy-phenethyl-
trimethyl-ammonium cation Aeschinomene maculata 9 b-Carbolines 26
23 Agbintmarabana 14 b-Hydroxy-N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-
3,4-Dimethoxy-b-phenethylamine Agsom 21 b-phenethylamine 23
23 Akar sisik naga 14 b-Hydroxyphenethylamine 23
5-Hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine Akar telinga tikus 14 b-Phenethylamine 23
25 Alkaloid Summary 23 Baephol 14
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine Alterative Bedbugs (repel)
25 Desmodium gangeticum 11 Desmodium pulchellum 17
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyl- Amo aberodefe 12 Beggar-lice 7
tryptamine 25 Amor seco 7 Beggarlice 7, 14, 16
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyl- Amshumati 11 Beggars Lice 5
tryptamine metho cation 26 Amsúmat 10 Beggarweed 5, 20
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyl- Analgesic Bergboontjes 12
tryptamine-N-oxide 26 Desmodium caudatum 8 Berodefe 14
6-Methoxy-1-methyl-H4-b- Desmodium pulchellum 17 Betaine 27
carboline 26 Desmodium triflorum 21 Beweglicher klee 13
6-Methoxy-1-methyl-Nb-methyl- Angelica 21 Bhunakra 13
b-carboline 26 Anguchabadi 14 Birkapi 17
6-Methoxy-1-methyl-Nb-methyl- Anshumati 12 Blennorrhea
b-carbolinium cation 26 Anti-bacterial Desmodium adscendens 7
6-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-b- Desmodium caudatum 8 Bottle-gourd Tea 22
carboline 26 Desmodium gangeticum 11 Bre 19
6-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-b- Anti-fungal Bronchial asthma
carbolinium cation 26 Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium cephalotes 8
6-Methoxy-2-methyl-b- Desmodium gangeticum 11 Bronchial asthma or bronchitis
carbolinium cation 26 Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium adscendens 7
6-Methoxy-2-methyl-H4-b- Anti-inflammatory Desmodium gangeticum 12
carboline 26 Desmodium gangeticum 11 Bufotenine 25
6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-b- Anticholinesterase activity Bufotenine-N-oxide 25
carbolinium cation 26 Desmodium gangeticum 10 Büschelkraut 13
6-Methoxy-Nb-methyl-H4-b- Antidotal Bush groundnut 7
carboline 26 Desmodium adscendens 7
6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-b- Desmodium caudatum 8 C
carboline 26 Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
Desmodium pulchellum 17 Cacoyer 21
6-Methoxy-tetrahydroharman 26
Aperient Calaicai 17
A Desmodium repandum 18 Calayacay 17
Desmodium retroflexum 18 Caliacay 17
Aakuparnikaa 11 Candicine 23
Aphrodisiac
Abashoka 14 Catarrh
Desmodium gangeticum 11
Abdominal problems Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
Desmodium gyrans 13
Desmodium caudatum 8 Catenaria caudata 8
Apo 21
Desmodium gangeticum 12 Catenaria laburnifolia 8
Astamati 12
Desmodium pulchellum 17 Chamkat 19
Asthma
32
Chamlai 19 Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium latifolium 14, 22

Chamra 19 Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium laxiflorum 15
Chamyar 19 Creeping beggar-weed 8 Desmodium macrophyllum 15
Chamyat 19 Desmodium maculatum 9
Chapor 17 D Desmodium mauritanum 18
Chapot 12 Desmodium microphyllum 15
Dai phong nui 18
Chattomara 15 Desmodium motorium 13
Damgere 14
Chepputatta 14 Desmodium nemorosum 15
Damie 22
Children or infants (medicinal use) Desmodium nicaraguense 15
Danke dafi, 14
Desmodium pulchellum 17 Desmodium nicaraguensis 15
Darh 12
Desmodium repandum 18 Desmodium oldhami 15
Dasamula kvatha 12
Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium oxyphyllum 18
Dashamoola kwaatha 11
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium paniculatum 15
Dashmul Tail 11, 12
Desmodium umbellatum 22 Desmodium parvifolium 16
Daye 12
Chimbadai 14 Desmodium perplexum 15
Deerghamoolika 11
Chimbattai 14 Desmodium plukenetti 22
Dental
Chin-chien-tsao 19 Desmodium polycarpon 14
Desmodium pulchellum 17
Chinanduri 14 Desmodium pulchellum 16
Desmodium triflorum 21
Chinese Desmodium 18 Desmodium quinquangulatum 8
Deobstruent
Chippi 12 Desmodium racemosum 18
Desmodium repandum 18
Chirola 8 Desmodium ramosissimum 18
Desmodium retroflexum 18
Chirubulladi 14 Desmodium recurvatum 15
Desmodium adscendens 7
Chitkiboota 22 Desmodium repandum 18
Desmodium aparines 14
Chivamadu 14 Desmodium retroflexum 18
Desmodium australe 22
Choline 27 Desmodium rottleri 15
Desmodium axillare 7
Chyavanprash 11, 12 Desmodium roylei 13
Desmodium barbatum 7
Codariocalyx gyrans 13 Desmodium salicifolium 18
Desmodium brachypodum 7
Codariocalyx gyroides 13 Desmodium scalpe 18
Desmodium caespitosum 7
Codariocalyx motorius 13 Desmodium spp. 22
Desmodium cajanifolium 7
Coin-leaved Desmodium 19 Desmodium spp. not identified 22
Desmodium canum 8
Colds Desmodium strangulatum 7, 18
Desmodium capitatum 18
Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium styracifolium 18
Desmodium caudatum 8
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium supinum 8
Desmodium cephalotes 8
Colic Desmodium tiliaefolium 19
Desmodium dichotomum 8
Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium tortuosum 20
Desmodium diffusum 8
Colle-colle 18 Desmodium triangulare 8
Desmodium dillenii 15
Conception (Induction) Desmodium triangularis 8
Desmodium discolor 9
Desmodium gyroides 13 Desmodium trichocaulon 14
Desmodium distortum 9
Constipation Desmodium triflorum 20
Desmodium dunni 9
Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium triflorum var. majus 14
Desmodium floribundum 9
Consumption Desmodium trigonum 14
Desmodium frutescens 8
Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium triqetrum 22
Contraceptive Desmodium umbellatum 22
Cultivation 9
Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium velutinum 22
Desmodium gangeticum. 9
Convulsions Desmodium virgatum 22
Desmodium glabellum 15
Desmodium adscendens 7 Devi 12
Desmodium grandifolium 22
Desmodium heterocarpon 14 Dheknanadak 17
Desmodium guianense 13
Desmodium pulchellum 17 Dhruva 11, 12
Desmodium gyrans 13
Desmodium triflorum 21 Diaphoretic
Desmodium gyroides 13
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium racemosum 18
Desmodium heterocarpon 14
Cough Diarrhea
Desmodium heterophyllum 14
Desmodium adscendens 7 Desmodium cephalotes 8
Desmodium hjalmarsonii 14
Desmodium cephalotes 8 Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
Desmodium intortum 14
Desmodium gangeticum 12 Desmodium pulchellum 17
Desmodium laburnifolium 8
Desmodium gyrans 13 Desmodium triflorum 21
Desmodium lasiocarpum 14
Desmodium heterocarpon 14 Dicerma pulchellum 16
33
Index
Digestive aid Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12 Hedysarum adscendens 7

Desmodium gangeticum 11 Desmodium pulchellum 17 Hedysarum arboreum 22
Desmodium repandum 18 Desmodium ramosissimum 18 Hedysarum articulatum 8
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium salicifolium 18 Hedysarum australe 22
Dimethyltryptamine 24 Hedysarum caespitosum 7
Dirghamula 12 F Hedysarum capitatum 18
Dirghanghni 12 Hedysarum caudatum 8
Fainting
Dirghapatra 12 Hedysarum cephalotes 8
Dirghapatrika 12 Hedysarum collinum 9
Fausse pistache marrone 18
Diuretic Hedysarum dichotomum 8
Fevers
Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12 Hedysarum diffusum 8
Desmodium gyrans 13 Hedysarum gangeticum 9, 11
Desmodium heterophyllum 14 Hedysarum gyroides 13
Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
Desmodium styracifolium 18 Hedysarum heterocarpon 14
Desmodium gyrans 13
Desmodium tiliaefolium 19 Hedysarum heterophyllum 14
Draaiende desmodium 13 Hedysarum intortum 14
Desmodium laxiflorum 15
Drenender klee 13 Hedysarum laburnifolium 8
Desmodium ramosissimum 18
Dudshambar 19 Hedysarum latifolium 22
Dysentery Hedysarum maculatum 9
Desmodium umbellatum 22
Desmodium caudatum 8 Hedysarum motorium 13
Forage and fodder
Desmodium cephalotes 8 Hedysarum pulchellum 16
Desmodium discolor 9
Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12 Hedysarum purpureum 20
Desmodium distortum 9
Desmodium gyrans 13 Hedysarum quinquangulatum 8
Desmodium heterophyllum 14 Hedysarum recurvatum 15
Desmodium ramosissimum 18 Hedysarum repandum 18
Desmodium triflorum 21 Hedysarum reptans 14
Desmodium nicaraguense 15
Hedysarum rottleri 15
E Desmodium triflorum 21
Hedysarum roxburghii 15
G Hedysarum tortuosum 20
Eaten as Food
Hedysarum triangulare 8
Desmodium dunni 9 Gaba 14 Hedysarum triflorum 20
Eaten as food Galactagogue (induce lactation) Hedysarum triquetrum 22
Desmodium parvifolium 16 Desmodium adscendens 7 Hedysarum umbellatum 8, 22
Desmodium racemosum 18 Desmodium triflorum 21 Hedysarum velutinum 22
Desmodium triflorum 21 Gallstones Hemorrhage
Desmodium umbellatum 22 Desmodium styracifolium 18 Desmodium pulchellum 17
Egbuntemoer 14 Gayoukri 12 Hemorrhoids
Ekamula 12 Gitanaram 11, 12 Desmodium triqetrum 22
Ekapanipanddhiyo 12 Glycoside 28 Herba Desmodii Racemosi 18
Emimo 12, 14 Gramine 24 Herba Desmodii Styracifolii 19
Emmenagogue Green Manure Herba Desmodii Triquetri 22
Desmodium repandum 18 Desmodium gyroides 13 Herba Kam Tsin Tsao 19
Desmodium retroflexum 18 Desmodium salicifolium 18 Herbe vivante 13
Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium tortuosum 20 Herbe vive 13
Emollient Desmodium triflorum 21 Hinundupiya 21
Desmodium gyrans 13 Green manure Hordenine 23
Engorda caballo 9, 15 Desmodium gangeticum 12 Horse fattener 9
Engorda cabras 15 Greenleaf 14 Hu-lu-cha 22
Epilepsy Guang dong jin quián cão 18 Hypaphorine 24
Desmodium adscendens 7 Guha 11, 12 Hypaphorine methyl ester 24
Etymology 5 Gurkats 19 Hypotensive activity
Ewe emo 14 Gurshagel 19 Desmodium pulchellum 17
Ewe omo 14 Gyred cocks head 13
Ewe-emo 12 I
Eye problems H
Desmodium cephalotes 8 Indole-3-acetic acid 24
Harman 26
34
Infections (see also Wounds) Kuchattinbadi 14 Matoi 19

Desmodium gangeticum 12 Kudalig 21 MbSYMBOL 101 \f “Symbol” \s
Desmodium triflorum 21 Kudaliya 21 8ySYMBOL 101 \f “Symbol”\s
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Kuluko la kuku 18 8.tó
Inoculant 5 Kumuda 12 \s 8.tó 7
Insecticide Kunnappalai 21 Medicinal use
Desmodium caudatum 8 Kuru Vine 14 Desmodium adscendens 7
Desmodium triqetrum 22 Desmodium axillare 7
L Desmodium barbatum 7
J Desmodium cajanifolium 7
Laber 19
Desmodium canum 8
Jaharipana 21 Lactone 28
Jajalad tasad 21 Latakari 22
Jajaladbihir 21 Latkan 22
Janglimer 21 Latkanni 12
Jat salpar 17 Laught thay 22
Desmodium guianense 13
Jatasalpar 17 Laxative
Desmodium gyrans 13
Jatasalpara 17 Desmodium gyrans 13
Desmodium gyroides 13
Jeetedari 17 Ledalede 14
Jenukaddi 17 Leopards ground nut 7
Jhinkopanddhio 21 Leptocladine 26
Jhinopanddhio 21 Liver Diseases
Desmodium laxiflorum 15
Jotasalopornni 17 Desmodium gangeticum 11
Desmodium microphyllum 15
Liver diseases
K Desmodium pulchellum 17
Desmodium racemosum 18
Ka danka dafi 14 Desmodium ramosissimum 18
Desmodium tiliaefolium 19
Kachang kaya betina 14 Desmodium repandum 18
Livestock poisoning (suspected)
Kadakatru 15 Desmodium retroflexum 18
Desmodium brachypodum 7
Kadukuralite 17 Desmodium salicifolium 18
Desmodium nemorosum 15
Kadumuduru 17 Desmodium spp. (not identified)
Desmodium umbellatum 22
Kaimi clover 8 22
Llina caiba 22
Kalanchi 19 Desmodium stryacifolium 18
Lo a guo 7
Kalimort 19 Desmodium tiliaefolium 19
Loa guo 7
Kalumbar 14 Desmodium triflorum 20
Love Magic
Karabija 8 Desmodium triquetrum 22
Karrantinta 17 Desmodium umbellatum 22
Desmodium gyrans 13
Kathi 19 Meibomia capitata 18
Kattumutira 17 Meibomia caudata 8
Desmodium spp. (not identified)
Katumbar 14 Meibomia dillenii 15
22
Khataldi 21 Meibomia gyrans 13
Lumbago
Kidameri 14 Meibomia gyroides 13
Kinbun 14 Meibomia heterophylla 14
Kitavinashini 12 M Meibomia intorta 14
Kodakotirichunddo 17 Meibomia laburnifolia 8
Kodalia 21 Ma da ddafi 14 Meibomia laxiflora 15
Kohemi koko 14 Magalinga 14 Meibomia paniculata 15
Kolakuporna 12 Magic powers Meibomia pubens 15
Kolante 21 Desmodium adscendens 7 Meibomia pulchella 16
Kolapanna 12 Mahaakleetaanika 11 Meibomia purpurea 20
Koli-niki 7, 21 Manguit 17 Meibomia repanda 18
Kondotinta 17 Mankit 12 Meibomia scalpe 18
Kreisende fesselhülse 13 Marara 19 Meibomia tortuosa 20
Kreisender hahnenkopf 13 Margarita 7 Meibomia triflora 20
Krishnopornii 17 Marlomin 21 Meibomia velutina 22
Krishnupani 14 Martan 19 Mmerku mini 18
Kubayam 14 Martoi 19 Moh-Tsao 8
35
Index
Motha 19 Pak Lo Sit 22 Rumput kerbau drapah 14

Move plant 13 Panicled tickclover 15
Moving plant 13 Par-po 22 S
Mtaroro 18 Parninee 11 Sadkoofi 19
Muntamandu 21 Patini 12 Sainfoin animé 13
Munuddamoddu 21 Payang-payang 17 Sainfoin oscillant 13
Murelehonne 12 Peddantrinta 12 Salaparni 12
Murt 19 Peethanee 11 Salopornni 12
Mushkzamin 19 Pega pega 7 Salpan 12
Muss 19 Pega-pega 7, 16, 22 Salpani 11, 12, 14
Perpetum mobile 13 Salpáni 12
N Phosphatidyl ethanolamine 28 Salparni 12, 22
N-Methyltryptamine 24 Phosphatidyl inositol 28 Salsolidine 23
N-Methyltryptophan 24 Phosphatidyl serine 28 Salsoline 24
N-Methyltyramine 23 Phyllodium pulchellum 16 Salun 12
Nagarmotha 19 Pien-ti-hsiang 18 Salvan 11
Nai-khong 12 Pirhi 19 Salvani 12
Nallanelapariki 12 Piribit 14 Salwan 12
Nanci 14 Pivari 12 Sambar 19
Nane 14 Poisonous (claimed) Sarivan 11, 12, 14
Nb-Methyl-b-carbolinium cation 26 Desmodium nemorosum 15 Sarivi 17
Nb-Methyl-H4-harman 26 Desmodium velutinum 22 Sarvanukarini 12
Ndogbo-nikili 7 Pookarisa 21 Saumya 9, 11, 12
Nervous conditions Pri 19 Sauthava 22
Desmodium adscendens 7 Prikou 12 Scorpion stings
Desmodium spp. (not identified) 22 Pteroloma triquetrum 22 Desmodium gangeticum 11
Nicholsonia triflora 20 Puerpurium Serua 22
Nicolsonia styracifolia 18 Desmodium laxiflorum 15 Shaalaparna 11
Nishchala 12 Desmodium pulchellum 17 Shaalaparni 11
N,N-Dimethyl-3,4-dimethoxy-b- Pullaadi 11 Shalani 12
phenethylamine 23 Pulladi 12 Shalidala 12
N,N-Dimethyl-b-keto-phenethylamine Pullati 12 Shaliparni 11, 12
23 Pustboeni 12 Shalipatra 12
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine 24 Shalparni-adi-kwath 11, 12
Q
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine metho cation Shalpurni 12
25 Qing jiu gang 8 Shalwan 12
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide 25 quaternary base 27 Shamru 19
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan 24 Shan-ma-huang 18
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan metho cation R Shock
24 Desmodium cajanifolium 7
Radix Desmodii Pulchelli 17
N,N-Dimethyltryptophan methyl ester Shophaghni 12
Ranbal 12
24 Shothaghni 12
Ranmethi 21
Normacromerine 23 Shubhapatrika 12
Ranmeti 21
Nusubitonasi 18 Simmathasura 14
References 29
Sirupullady 21
O Respiratory stimulant
Skin diseases
Desmodium racemosum 18
Omba-omba 14 Desmodium adscendens 7
Rheumatic fever
Organsi 12 Desmodium pulchellum 17
Ote-atil 13 Snake bite
Rheumatism
Otokataka 14 Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12
Outoupilli 21 Desmodium triqetrum 22
Desmodium gyrans 13
Sores
P Desmodium caudatum 8
Desmodium repandum 18
Pacpaclangao 21 Rhizobium CB-627 5
Pai-chien-tsao 17 Ronodalo 14
36
Species not identified 22 Tonic Vomiting

Sphingomyelin 28 Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12 Desmodium gangeticum 12
Spleen Desmodium gyrans 13 Desmodium laxiflorum 15
Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium heterocarpon 14 Vrihiparnika 12
Stachydrine 27 Toungtamin 17
Sthira 11, 12 Trefle des chasseurs 21 W
Stimulant (see also excitant) Trefle lievre 14 Wandelklee 13
Desmodium cephalotes 8 Trefle noir 21 Whirling plant 13
Stomach/Intestine Trèfle noir 21 Whitlow
Desmodium cephalotes 8 Trigonelline 27 Desmodium triflorum 21
Desmodium dichotomum 8 Triparni 11, 12 Wild senna 7
Stomach/Intestines Tryptamine 24 Worms
Desmodium caudatum 8 Tumors Desmodium gangeticum 12
Desmodium pulchellum 17 Desmodium gangeticum 12 Desmodium triqetrum 22
Desmodium repandum 18 Tung Tsiu Se Tso 19 Wounds
Desmodium retroflexum 18 Typhoid Desmodium adscendens 7
String of coins 17 Desmodium gangeticum 11 Desmodium canum 8
String-halt 7 Tyramine 23 Desmodium gyrans 13
Subhagam 12
U Desmodium triflorum 21
Sudha 12
Sudula 12 Y
Unconsciousness
Suparni 12
Desmodium laxiflorum 15 Ya-dab-kamlang-phra 22
Suparnika 12
Unidentified 26, 27 Yalelegbe 14
Supatri 12
Urinary problems
Surupa 12
Desmodium gangeticum 12 Z
Süssklee 13
Sweethearts 21 Zángò-dá-mà.pìndì 22
Desmodium styracifolium 18
Swellings
Ursi 17
Uterine stimulant
T Desmodium gangeticum 11
Takabeh 14 V
Takamahi 14
Vataghni 12
Takamala 17
Venereal disease
Tandibhedijanetet 12
Tanvi 12
Desmodium styracifolium 18
Te-yundo 7
Vertigo
Tea (used as)
Desmodium oldhami 15
Vidaarigandha 11
Telegraaf plant 13
Vidari 12
Telegraph Plant 13
Vidarigandha 12
Telegraphen bundelhülse 13
Telegraphenpflanze 13
Tellanelapariki 14
Tetrahydroisoquinolines 23
Thap 17
Tick clover 5
Panicled 15
Tick Trefoil 12
Tick trefoil 5, 7
Tigure 17
Tinikoriamoni 21
Tombolombo 7 MydriaticProductions
37
NOTES
MydriaticProductions

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A Better Days Publication

Trout’s Notes #D2 (3-2002)

The Genus Desmodium

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The Genus Desmodium

Desmodium gangeticum Desmodium species (D. incanum?)

The Genus Desmodium

Desmodium =Phyllodium =Hedysarum (often

Inoculate with Rhizobium CB-627 . A representative few include: febrifuges, treat-

Negative screening by BOUQUET and by BOUQUET & DEBRAY.

Desmodium canum (J.F.GMEL.) SCHINZ & Desmodium cephalotes (ROXB.) WALL.

In Stem-Roots (from 3.2 kg.):

[= Desmodium triangularis (Retz.) Merr.]

In stem: Occurs throughout India (in Eastern Himalayas up to 1500

Western region of Japan = Chinese drug “Moh-Ts’ao”

Uses: Plant: analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic, detoxicant and “Chirola”

Desmodium discolor VOGT. Desmodium gangeticum DC.

Desmodium distortum MACB. Observations noted during 1993 field trials.

Note on the Chemistry summary which follows:

Desmodium gangeticum DC.

(A similar phenomenon also observed in Phalaris tuberosa. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide 1.

Desmodium gangeticum DC. Ayurvedic description

“Desmodium gangeticum DC. is common on the lower hills

Philippine Islands and tropical Africa. Desmodium gangeticum DC.

Desmodium guianense DC Occurs in “northern parts of Bengal, N. Circars, Deccan and

Roots: Whole plant is combined with 4 leaves of Ocimum sanctum,

Leaves have aphrodisiac, diuretic, febrifugal and tonic

Desmodium intortum URB.

“Sarivan” Desmodium lasiocarpum DC

Desmodium laxiflorum DC Desmodium nicaraguense OERST.

Desmodium microphyllum (THUNB.) DC.

“Suspected” OTT 1993: page 246

And finally (all by dry weight unless specified otherwise):

Desmodium repandum (VAHL.) DC

Known as: Desmodium tiliaefolium (G. DON)

Desmodium tortuosum (SW.) DC Stems [Relative % of total alkaloid fraction]

Other bases  Tryptamine in stem-leaf

Desmodium triqetrum (L.) DC WEBB 1948: p. 84; cited BAILEY 1909

“Pak Lo Sit”: “...used as medicine.” (China) “Latakari”

Occurs in India ( in Andaman, Bihar, Karnataka,

Desmodium umbellatum (L.) DC

“Supposed by some to cause “Chillagoe disease” of

stems in lower concentrations?) [11] Desmodium triflorum

Other simple bases:

References Duke, James Alan & Ayensu, Edward S. (1985) “Medicinal

of Upper East Godavari District (Andhra Pradesh) and

Desmodium repandum 18 Desmodium adscendens 7

Chamlai 19 Desmodium triflorum 21 Desmodium latifolium 14, 22

Digestive aid Desmodium gangeticum 11, 12 Hedysarum adscendens 7

Infections (see also Wounds) Kuchattinbadi 14 Matoi 19

Motha 19 Pak Lo Sit 22 Rumput kerbau drapah 14

Species not identified 22 Tonic Vomiting

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